West Ham United have started their rebuild early. [The club has reportedly sealed a deal for young Celtic striker Daniel Cummings](https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/celtic-striker-daniel-cummings-set-to-join-west-ham-on-july-1/). He will join immediately after the transfer window opens.
The 18-year-old will likely play a back-up role to a marquee striker signing, which West Ham desperately need this summer.
West Ham looked blunt in attack in several games this season, and the Hammers must get a lethal centre-forward to lead the line.
According to the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14757307/West-Ham-transfer-news-targets-Bowen-Paqueta-Kudus.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=social-twitter_dailymailsport), RB Salzburg striker Karim Konate is one of the targets on the West Ham transfer radar.
The Ivory Coast international bagged 22 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances last term.
However, Konate tore his ACL in November and has been sidelined since then. He had eight goals and two assists in 17 games before the unfortunate injury.
The setback has not stopped West Ham from considering a swoop for his services. He comes from the heralded Salzburg striker line that produced Erling Braut Haaland and Benjamin Sesko.
Konate has long been tipped to become a top striker, and he was beginning to fulfil the prophecy when injury curtailed his season.
The big question is whether West Ham are willing to take the punt on a striker who is currently out with a long-term injury.
West Ham cannot afford another costly gamble, in our opinion. Niclas Fullkrug’s struggles already show the dangers of investing in players who are not fully fit despite their pedigree.
While Konate is an undeniable talent, the timing does not work. The club needs an immediate solution. A reliable, fit striker who can hit the ground running from day one.
Banking on a player recovering from an ACL injury, no matter how promising, is a risk West Ham should not take right now.
If the rebuild is serious, it must be smart. That means steering clear of Konate and targeting someone ready to deliver straight away.
(Stats from Transfermarkt)