Graham Potter wants extra attacking power.placeholder image
Graham Potter wants extra attacking power. | Getty Images
Chelsea star Raheem Sterling has emerged as a potential target for West Ham this summer.
West Ham are in the market for attacking reinforcements and, with the weeks of the transfer window ticking by, time has become of the essence.
Callum Wilson has arrived as a free agent following his release from Newcastle United but the London outfit could still do with signing a new wide option following the departure of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham linked with Chelsea swoop
Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey and Manchester City man Jack Grealish have been linked with a move to the London Stadium but the latest rumour is a possible West Ham swoop for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling.
talkSPORT this week reported that the Hammers are among the clubs ‘keeping tabs’ on the England international. Sterling has been training away from Enzo Maresca’s first team squad and is not set to be part of the manager’s plans this season.
Chelsea want the player off their books, either on loan or a permanent deal, and Potter has history with Sterling thanks to his time at Stamford Bridge. The winger scored four goals and picked up two assists in his 20 outings under Potter.
Crystal Palace and Fulham are also linked with Sterling, and it would be better for the West Ham manager to let one of his London rivals win the race. West Ham need added attacking impetus but there is no guarantee that Sterling will bring that.
Graham Potter could re-sign former player from Stamford Bridge days
The forward scored just one goal in 28 appearances for Arsenal last season. He was handed just seven Premier League starts by Mikel Arteta during his loan spell but didn’t do much to get himself into the starting XI.
Speaking in February, Arteta called on Sterling to make the most of injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to make the striking role his own. When asked if the player could manage an impact, the Spaniard said: “Yes and he has to have it because we really need him.”
Arsenal had so much to play for at the time of the campaign, progressing in the Champions League and looking to make up ground to Liverpool. Even with a clear path and motivation, Sterling appeared to struggle to find the fire to force himself into the team.
It’s a risk to think that the player will suddenly find that passion at West Ham and, after an underwhelming end to the previous campaign, Potter shouldn’t be taking risks. What’s more, the West Ham manager has made it clear that he wants to bring youth into the side.
Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Vladimir Coufal left the club as free agents this summer. The Hammers have signed 20-year-old El Hadji Malick Diouf and are set to trust 21-year-old Freddie Potts.
Experience is important too but 33-year-old Wilson can bring that on and off the pitch. Adding a 30-year-old Raheem Sterling seems a step back for West Ham - the window is racing by but West Ham do not to be that desperate yet.
In other news, West Ham sign Aston Villa man and £50m midfielder in starting XI if transfer rumours are true.
Continue Reading