West Ham Opinion: Why the Hammers should go for Danny Drinkwater?
According to a report from Calciomercato, West Ham are interested in signing Chelsea outcast Danny Drinkwater this summer.
The Englishman, 29, has not featured in a single competitive game for the Blues this season since making an appearance in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
That being said, Danny Drinkwater should definitely make the jump to West Ham if Manuel Pellegrini’s side offer him an escape route out of Stamford Bridge.
West Ham spent a lot of money in the summer transfer window, but they haven’t been able to solve their midfield conundrum. They signed Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez but both of them have missed the majority of the campaign with injuries.
Club captain Mark Noble is 31, and he seems past his prime, while Pedro Obiang has been in and out of the team under Pellegrini. Declan Rice has been the Hammers’ star, establishing himself as a regular starter under Pellegrini.
But Rice’s consistent performances this season haven’t gone unnoticed, with both Manchester United and Manchester City interested in signing him this summer. Pellegrini and co. will be reluctant to lose the 20-year-old but if the likes of United and City come calling, chances of Rice staying at the London Stadium will be less.
Pellegrini should realise that he cannot rely on Noble, Wilshere and Sanchez for the next season, and as Rice is attracting plenty of interest, he needs to add options in midfield. Thus, West Ham would be wise to make a move for Danny Drinkwater in the summer.
Drinkwater is primarily a central midfield but is equally capable of operating as a holding midfielder or in a three-man midfield. His versatility could be a useful asset for Pellegrini’s side going into the new campaign.
The 29-year-old boasts of technical skills and is a good passer of the ball. He is also adept at breaking opposition’s play using his tackling and interception skills.
Read more West Ham news, click here: West Ham latest news
Given West Ham’s midfield problems, Drinkwater can be a top addition, even if he hasn’t played this whole season for Chelsea. He would bring in a lot of experience and a winning mentality into the West Ham side, having lifted the Premier League title with Leicester City a few years ago.
His presence and experience in the middle of the park could make a lot of difference at West Ham.
Verdict
The potential acquisition of Drinkwater will not only increase competition for places within Pellegrini’s squad but will also raise the overall squad depth. Hence, the Hammers should try their best to bring the ex-Leicester City ace to east London in this upcoming transfer window.
