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Potter needs more attackers | Getty Images
West Ham are said to be in t he race to sign a Premier League veteran for a bargain price.
West Ham are said to be eyeing a Premier League winger transfer as they look to add depth in the absence of Mohammed Kudus. The Hammers are now closing in on the start of the new season, which starts the weekend after this one.
Graham Potter has been handed some new signings, including new striker Callum Wilson, who has joined from Newcastle United, but there is much more work to do. The Iron finished all too close to the relegation zone last season, and with Kudus leaving this summer, and it’s going to take significant recruitment to turn things around.
The winger spot needs upgrading at this point, especially with Crysencio Summerville having struggled with fitness last season. One potential option West Ham are said to have is Raheem Sterling, who will be leaving Chelsea this summer. Sterling was dropped from Enzo Maresca’s plans last summer, and he was then sent on loan to Arsenal, where he endured a tough spell with very limited playing time.
Arteta said of Sterling last season: “It's been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven't given him more [minutes]. When he hasn't started the games, 90% of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It's not tactical reasons.
"I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way. He's very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play. He has had a very important role and suddenly you are in this position, not only here but when he was at Chelsea as well. I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment and hopefully we can change it."
Sterling is now 30 years of age and in desperate need of regular football as he looks to pick his career back up after a disappointing year or so. Chelsea are said to want just £20million to sell the winger, and that would represent a bargain price for an attacker with plenty of Premier League experience. A number of Premier League sides are said to be showing an interest, including Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Potter has, of course, worked with Sterling previously during his time at Chelsea. He said during his time at Stamford Bridge: “Raheem is an important player for us. He’s got incredible speed, quality, and experience at the highest level. He can play in several attacking positions and always gives everything.”
Those comments suggest Potter would like a reunion with West Ham, but there is naturally an element of risk involved in the signing given the winger has not enjoyed good form over the last year. Potter’s struggles last season mean can ill-afford a bad start to this season, so he and the Hammers are likely to tread carefully with their recruitment.
What is clear is that the Hammers need to work quickly if they want to get a settled squad in time for the start of the new season,
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