West Ham United are finally moving forward. The fan unrest this season seems to have made an impact as the board are showing positive signs. Ever since the 2015-16 period, things haven’t been the best for the club.
They finished 11th in the season after that and just about survived relegation in the recently concluded campaign. Neither was the style of football attractive nor were the signings and David Moyes’ appointment as manager only made it worse.
However, West Ham have signed Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager. Pellegrini has won multiple trophies throughout his career and most importantly, he has tasted Premier League glory.
The former City boss could be the man to take West Ham higher up the table, possibly into the top-10 or even challenge for European spots. But to do so, the club will require reinforcements to strengthen their team and it goes without saying that they need a creative central midfielder.
As far as their current options are concerned, Mark Noble is 31 years of age and he isn’t known for tricks or flicks. Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate is a solid defensive midfielder and so is Pedro Obiang. Both players are adept at doing the dirty work and playing the role of the destroyer but that leaves a massive void in the creative department.
The playmaking duties were mostly fulfilled by Manuel Lanzini, who played further ahead. But to truly get to the next level, the Hammers will need creativity from a deeper role.
According to a report from Daily Star, Pellegrini is keen on signing Jack Wilshere to do that job. Wilshere is out of contract this summer and his Arsenal future is under serious doubt with new manager Unai Emery at the helm.
Wilshere, who currently earns £90,000-a-week, is a fantastic central midfielder, despite the naysayers. Injuries have halted his progress but he has played a lot of football over the past two seasons. He picked up injuries in both seasons but thankfully, both were short-term. And there is a certain sense of determination he shows in every game, making him a great player to count on.
Wilshere’s ability to pick a pass is among the best and he can beat defenders by a simple touch. His close control and one-touch passing have saved him and his teams on multiple occasions and West Ham could use a player like him.
Jack Wilshere is miles better than West Ham’s current midfielders in terms of ability and he could be the much-needed leader in their team.
Jack fulfils his defensive roles too. He’s like a kid on the playground. If his team doesn’t have the ball, he will go out there and get it. He is not the best at it, however, so pairing him with Kouyate could form a solid midfield partnership which will help both the attack and the defence.
Wilshere has been linked with a move away from the Emirates, with a number of sides chasing him; Crystal Palace, Everton and Wolves along with some Spanish and Italian sides are interested in him. Hence, West Ham must act quickly if they are to sign Wilshere.