Ollie Watkins has established himself as a key figure at Brentford (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, West Ham are considering to make a strong attempt to sign forward Ollie Watkins from Brentford at the end of the season. The report suggests that David Moyes is looking for an overhaul in his squad and has targeted Watkins ahead of the summer transfer window to bolster West Ham’s attack.
The London-based club have endured a poor season so far and are currently 16th in the league table after a 3-1 win over Southampton. They have won just 2 out of their last 11 league games and the manager would be hoping to make amends to the squad for the new season.
One of the chief reasons for their failure is the lack of goals to compete at a higher level. The Hammers have scored just 35 goals in 28 games, which is not enough for them to keep up with the pace of the Premier League.
Then-manager Manuel Pellegrini signed Sebastien Haller last summer for £45m, a club record-signing but the Frenchman has failed to deliver. He has just netted 7 goals in the league and seems to be out of form. Swiss international Albian Ajeti was also bought last summer, but he has failed to make it beyond 8 appearances after failing to impress the manager.
Other forwards in the ranks, Andriy Yarmalenko, Felipe Anderson and Michail Antonio have also not been supportive enough to the centre-forwards. They have combined to score a total of just 6 goals between them and if this situation prolongs, West Ham could find themselves in troubled waters.
Therefore, the onus is on the manager to bring in reinforcements to their attacking unit before the new campaign begins. And Ollie Watkins should be prioritized in the upcoming transfer window.
Watkins, 24, came through the youth ranks of Exeter City and spent half a season on loan with Weston-Super-Mare AFC before returning to his parent club. He scored 17 goals in the 2016/17 season in all competitions and moved to Brentford that summer.
He has been a regular member of the squad, scoring 10 league goals in each of his first two campaigns at Griffin Park. This term, he has been in excellent form for the Bees, having already scored 22 goals in the Championship and helping Brentford fight for promotion.
The Englishman has shown his potential and has the ability to become successful at a higher level given he moves in the right direction. A centre-forward by trade, Watkins is comfortable playing anywhere across the frontline and that could benefit West Ham.
The 24-year-old’s inclusion in the Londoners’ squad can also bring in a healthy competition within the team and that would be a good sign for the club to progress.
West Ham are in dire need of a centre-forward due to the form of Haller and Ajeti and they need to bring in strikers for their good. Hence, they must make a move for the Brentford star, who is currently in the form of his life. He would add depth and value to Moyes’ squad.
