West Ham are likely to spend big on a new striker in the January transfer window, according to former England striker Kevin Phillips.
The Lowdown: Slight dip for Hammers
David Moyes' side have enjoyed a superb start to the season, sitting fourth in the Premier League and reaching the last 16 of the Europa League. However, the Hammers have lost back-to-back league games since the international break, suffering defeats away to Wolves and Manchester City.
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This mini-slump needs to come to an end at home to Brighton on Wednesday if the Irons are to avoid slipping out of the top four and scuppering their chances of bettering last season's sixth-placed finish.
The Latest: Phillips tips new striker to come in
It could be that fresh blood is required to take the team forward in January, as the fixtures come thick and fast and squad depth is tested, especially with European commitments in the early months of 2022 as well.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips tipped West Ham to sign a big-money striker in order to ease the burden on sole centre-forward Michail Antonio. He said:
"They need to invest in a striker in January. I know there will be plenty of people who argue they don’t need to because they have done very well considering but they haven’t got any backup for [Michail] Antonio.
"When it gets to the second part of the season, the weather changes and the games come thick and fast. Players pick up knows after playing so many games.
"It would be sensible to look at that area to bring someone in. Sign someone who will push and cover for Antonio.
"I know Kretinsky has said there won’t be lots of spending but I’m sure there will be money available. If David Moyes goes and says, ‘I’ve identified a player who can come in and challenge in that area.’ Then the club will back him.
"Why wouldn’t they considering what he has done and where they are? They could potentially finish in the Champions League spots.
"It wouldn’t surprise me if they went out and splashed £20-25million to bring in competition for that area."
The Verdict: Would be a wise decision
It could be a grave error if another striker doesn't come in at West Ham during the January window, potentially costing the Hammers dearly both domestically and in Europe.
As Phillips has said, it is unfair to rely too much on Antonio, who has had injury problems in the past and is now 31 years of age. The Jamaican's form has also tailed off significantly since a sublime start to the season.
Basel striker Arthur Cabral is someone who has been linked with a move to east London and he could be perfect, offering Moyes an extra option who's young and in red-hot form, having scored 14 Swiss Super League goals already this season.
In other news, West Ham have been linked with signing a Premier League player in January. Find out who it is here.