The four stars Manuel Pellegrini should sign before deadline day to bolster West Ham squad
WEST HAM could be in for one of the most expensive transfer windows in their history this summer but who should the Hammers sign in order to try and crack the European spots next season?
The FOUR players West Ham want to sign before deadline day (Image: GETTY)
Express Sport have rounded up four players West Ham should look to if they want to compete with the big boys of the Premier League next term.
Manuel Pellegrini guided the club to a 10th place finish last season as West Ham relied heavily on the form of Felipe Anderson to get them through some sticky patches.
But providing they can make some big signings this summer, West Ham are expected to challenge the teams below the big six for the European places, while some supporters will be keen on trying to break the top six.
Here are four players the Irons should sign if they want to become real contenders come the start of August.
Camarasa spent the season on loan with Cardiff last season and made a huge impression on fans of the Welsh side during an otherwise torrid season.
The Spaniard scored five goals for the Bluebirds with the majority of them coming from outside the box. The midfielder showed skill and power in the centre of midfield, something West Ham will need as club stalwart Mark Noble approaches the twilight of his career.
Marca claim that Camarasa is available for around £13m this summer, but no clubs have come in for his signature as of yet. Tottenham and Leicester are also keeping tabs on his situation, while West Ham have already spent big cash on Pablo Fornals.
Camarasa scored against West Ham in a 2-0 win for Cardiff back in March and was one of the best players on the night.
The FOUR players West Ham want to sign before deadline day (Image: GETTY)
Maxi Gomez - Celta Vigo
Gomez seems the most likely to join West Ham at this point with a deal reportedly nearing completion. The 22-year-old, also an accomplished striker, is said to be perfect for the Premier League.
His tenaciousness and expert striking have been praise by supporters who feel he can fit right in at the London stadium next year.
Gomez notched 13 goals and registered five assists last season as Celta Vigo finished 13th in La Liga. The Uruguayan impressed throughout and had to play through rumours in January that both West Ham and Arsenal were interested in his signature.
According to the Mirror, Gomez is Pellegrini’s number one target this summer but they’ll have to pay around £40m if they want a new hit man ruling the roost in east London next season.
The FOUR players West Ham want to sign before deadline day (Image: GETTY)
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If there’s one problem West Ham have suffered with in recent years, it’s been the ability nail down a top-class striker. The likes of Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole, Diafra Sakho have all come and gone with varying degrees of success but it’s now time they signed a player who could produce near to 20 goals a season.
Marko Arnautovic has been one of their most successful front men over the past few seasons and scored a respectable 10 goals last year - but West Ham need more.
Zapata scored a brilliant 23 goals in Serie A last season, only second to Fabio Quagliarella while he was in front of AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek and Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Colombian has proven himself to be one of the most formidable hitmen in Europe but hasn’t been linked with some of the bigger clubs in England. West Ham are just £10m away from meeting Atalanta’s £45m valuation, according to Gazetta dello Sport.
The FOUR players West Ham want to sign before deadline day (Image: GETTY)
Morgan Sanson - Marseille
Sanson scored five times and registered three assists for Marseille last season from a deeper midfield position and showed the ability needed to cut it in the Premier League at a club like West Ham.
L’Equipe are reporting, however, that the east London club have cooled their interest in Sanson, despite being heavily in favour of a move for the 24-year-old.
Sanson’s qualities have been compared with that of Wolves’ Ruben Neves and and is strong dribbler who likes to take aim on goal from long range.
His defensive contribution is also high, as is his work-rate - something that will quickly endear himself to die-hard Hammers fans, should Manuel Pellegrini make a move.
The FOUR players West Ham want to sign before deadline day (Image: GETTY)