West Ham United may have work to do in the January transfer window.placeholder image
West Ham United may have work to do in the January transfer window. | Getty Images
West Ham United should sign a forward who could prove crucial to their chances of survival
There may still be life yet at West Ham United, as successive victories ahead of the international break have brought the Hammers to within touching distance of lifting themselves out of the bottom three.
The east London side have found themselves stranded in the relegation zone for almost the entirety of the campaign thus far, but wins over Newcastle United and Burnley and six goals scored in the process have signalled a return to something near their best under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
That is not to say it will no longer prove a struggle to stay up this season - defeated Newcastle are yet to win away from home, while Burnley were predicted by many to finish bottom before the season started - but the Hammers have begun to show the fighting spirit needed to drag themselves up and away from the mire. A key January signing or two could also make a huge difference.
West Ham should make January move for returning Gabriel Jesus
West Ham would be smart to make a move in the January transfer window to sign Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus on loan. Somewhat of a forgotten man for the league leaders, the Brazilian has seen his last couple of years ravaged by injuries and has recently spent the entirety of 2025 out with an ACL injury sustained in the FA Cup back in January.
But he is back in training, with a return to action for the Gunners possible by the end of the year. Arteta said of the positive news: "A player who is very unpredictable, full of energy, and super competitive.
"A player who comes from a context of difficulty in the last few seasons, due to various nasty injuries, so the level of hunger and desire that he is going to bring to the team is going to be amazing. So I’m thrilled to have him, I think he’s going to add something extra to the team that we don’t have, and make sure that very soon we see him on that pitch making an impact for the team."
It will no doubt be a boost to Arsenal to have the 28-year-old back in contention towards the end of the year, particularly as a host of their attacking players take their time to return to full fitness. But, once Arteta has a full complement of attacking options to choose from, with Kai Havertz likely to be preferred as the understudy to Viktor Gyokeres, the reality is that Jesus may struggle to get minutes. This is where West Ham must take their chance.
Jesus loan move could save West Ham’s season
If Jesus is looking for a place to move on a short-term deal where he can have the best possible chance to star in a World Cup year, there are not many Premier League sides who are as in need of striking options as West Ham.
With the injured Niclas Fullkrug the Irons’ only other senior striking option, there would certainly be room to add another - and Jesus could elevate their attack to a new level.
Following a difficult period in front of goal, Jesus had just found his top form again prior to his unfortunate injury, scoring six times in six matches over the festive period at the back end of 2024. If the Hammers complete a not risk-free loan deal for the Brazilian, they will hope that he can recreate this type of form alongside the likes of Wilson and Jarrod Bowen to ensure that the Hammers extend their 14-season stay in the top flight.
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