West Ham opinion: Dream Hammers XI with transfer targets in the team

West Ham United haven’t had the worst season but it isn’t one for the highlight reels. Sure, they had a few very impressive performances over the course of the season but they’ve also had a few absolutely terrible performances.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini spent smartly over the summer and the former Manchester City boss has a long way to go. They need a few additions across the field, as they try their best to challenge for a top-seven or even a top-six spot.

The likes of Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski and Fabian Balbuena should stay at the club after impressive seasons from the trio. Declan Rice’s rise in midfield has been exceptional and so has Felipe Anderson.

But with Mark Noble, Carlos Sanchez and Samir Nasri all on the wrong side of 30, they need replacing. Marko Arnautovic’s uncertain future after rumours of a move to China in the winter and a £45 million release clause does add to their issues (Times).

However, given the amount of spending they did last summer and the fact that they have high hopes for their future, the Hammers will have to shell out a little more.

A reliable goalscoring striker should be at the top of their list alongside a right-back, a central midfielder and a winger. Just four additions but they have to be the right players.

Maxi Gomez

When it comes to West Ham, there seems to be just one target and now the bookies have named them as the favourites to sign the Celta Vigo striker (Daily Mail).

An obvious upgrade over either Marko Arnautovic or Javier Hernandez, the 22-year-old has been brilliant for a relegation-threatened Celta Vigo this season.

So far he’s managed to net 13 goals and has created 5 in the La Liga alone, which ranks him above every West Ham United player.

Add that to his bullish and never say die attitude, ambidextrousness, aerial ability and agility, it makes him the perfect man to lead the Hammer’s front-line to glory.

Rafael Da Silva

The former Manchester United right-back currently is at Olympique Lyon and given that he will be a free agent at the end of the season, it makes the move perfect. West Ham need a right-back and someone free would be perfect (Foot01).

Da Silva made his debut nearly 11 years ago in the Premier League and left seven years later, amassing nearly 110 Premier League appearances to his name. That kind of experience cannot be bought for anything close to what West Ham can spend, which is why the move makes a lot of sense.

Add that to his versatility and capability to play as a full-back on both sides and it means that Pellegrini has adequate cover for both sides.

Isaac Hayden

Recently linked with a move to West Ham (Telegraph), the 24-year-old defensive midfielder wants to leave Newcastle United as he wants to be closer to his family. However, no matter the reason, a move for West Ham would see them shore up their midfield.

Mark Noble’s legs are not as strong as they used to be, while Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere have proven to be very injury prone. That leaves them with just Pedro Obiang and he is also often side-lined with injuries.

The Hammers need a partner for Declan Rice and someone like Hayden would be close to perfect.

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Allan Saint-Maximin

Another player who has been recently linked with a move, Allan Saint-Maximin is most likely on his way out of OGC Nice with AC Milan and even Arsenal interested (Guardian). The 22-year-old is a very bright prospect and has shown his lethality in front of goal this season.

So far, he’s managed to produce 10 goals, which makes him the Ligue 1 side’s most creative player. For West Ham, given their issues with wingers this season, someone like Allan Saint-Maximin would be perfect for their team.

Pacey, strong and capable of playing in a lot of attacking positions, including as a striker, the 22-year-old would be perfect for West Ham. With Felipe Anderson on the other side, together the two could wreak havoc on the Premier League.