West Ham United will hope for bigger and better things this year, after the club struggled to stay away from the Premier League relegation zone over the past twelve months.
Hammers fans here in The Transfer Tavern were often left biting their nails over their pints as the watched the results come in, with news of a West Ham defeat more often than not beamed onto the walls by our projector here at The Tavern. However this bunch never lose their optimism, and are hoping for success under David Moyes now the new year is upon us.
The transfer window will determine how the second-half of the season will pan out for the Hammers, and today Moyes has been linked with a move for Arsenal winger, Theo Walcott by The Daily Express. However the England international’s signature alone won’t be enough to save the club from a relegation battle, and Moyes should target this pair to aid his cause this season…
Rob Holding
The English central defender hasn’t received much game time at The Emirates this season for Arsenal, and could be available on loan for the second-half of the season if manager Arsene Wenger deems it necessary. Holding has acclimatised to Premier League football with relative ease since making the switch from Bolton Wanderers, and looks set for a bright future with both club and country.
Just six league outings this season, Holding would benefit from a switch away from North London, with the short ride over to Stratford and The London Stadium a viable option for the player. At the age of 22, Holding is learning his trade at the highest level, and with Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season, the player’s role in the squad will dramatically increase. Holding has the ability to become the first-choice centre-half at The Emirates for years to come, and a short-term switch to West Ham could provide the player with the impetus to become the top-class player his potential suggests.
Francis Coquelin
The central midfielder has appeared just seven times in the league for Arsenal this season, making just a single start for Arsene Wenger’s side. It appears that the 26-year-old has failed to establish himself at the club as a first-choice player, and a January move could be on the cards as the player looks to gain more consistent playing time.
Coquelin is a Premier League player, and could certainly become a starter at another club in the top-flight. David Moyes could do with another midfield enforcer to provide quality and depth in the position, and a loan, or even permanent move for Coquelin could plug the hole in the Hammers midfield. The defence has lacked protection this year, as proven by their shocking defensive record of thirty-nine league goals conceded, and the Frenchman could act as the perfect hurdle to tackle opposition attacks in the coming months.
West Ham fans, would this Arsenal trio keep you up this season? Let us know!
