Excitement is growing among the West Ham United fans in the Transfer Tavern as their club look set to sign Felipe Anderson from Lazio in a huge statement of intent from the East London club.
The arrival of Manuel Pellegrini has installed a refreshing level of hype and optimism into a club which was characterised by a toxic atmosphere throughout the majority of the previous campaign. Pellegrini’s appointment and the owners apparent willingness to spend money in the transfer market have given the supporters reason to believe that a Europa League challenge is on the cards next season, especially now that Anderson is all set to move to the London Stadium.
According to a report from Sky Sports on Thursday, West Ham and Lazio have agreed a fee over Anderson’s transfer and the details of the transfer are being finalised. Naturally, the Hammers fans are delighted to welcome a player who was so devastating in Serie A last season despite his injury problems.
In just 9 starts the Brazilian managed to score 4 goals and provide 7 assists, and if he can continue that form in the Premier League there’s no doubt he will become a firm fan-favourite. Marko Arnautovic almost single-handedly carried West Ham’s attack last season, but Anderson’s arrival would add a signifcant layer of quality to the front-three and reduce the creative burden which was placed on the Austrian’s shoulders.
However, West Ham’s options at centre-forward remain sparse, especially if Pellegrini is hoping to deploy Arnautovic out wide rather than through the middle. With that being said, the Chilean must seek the signing of a new striker this summer to challenge Javier Hernandez for a starting berth, and Newcastle’s Aleksandr Mitrovic could be the perfect player to trarget.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Newcastle have placed a £20 million price-tag on Mitrovic’s head this summer, which represents fair value in the current market. Although the Serbia international has failed to make the grade at Newcastle, it must be considered that his fractious relationship with Rafa Benitez and his subsequent failure to break into the first-team on a regular basis has largely been to blame.
During his loan spell with Fulham last season Mitrovic played an instrumental role in their successful promotion bid by notching 12 goals from 17 appearances, proving that he possesses a clinical edge in the penalty area which West Ham are crying out for. Sure, those goals did arrive in the Championship, but he was clearly a class above the rest against second tier opposition and if Pellegrini is willing to trust in his ability then there are huge rewards waiting to be reaped.
West Ham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
