West Ham United are struggling to score, and they are now looking across London at a Chelsea striker to help them with their troubles.
The arrival of Juventus striker Simone Zaza and Andre Ayew from Swansea City this past summer has done little to improve the Hammers. Neither have scored in the Premier League so far, and the latter suffered a thigh injury in his West Ham debut and is yet to recover.
West Ham were interested in a few other strikers before the last ditch acquisition of Zaza. The Hammers had reportedly been keen to sign Michy Batshuayi from Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, but the Belgian instead joined London rivals Chelsea for a reported £33 million.
This hasn’t killed the Hammers interest in him though. West Ham are now interested in trying to lure Batshuayi to the Olympic Stadium on a loan deal once the transfer window opens again, according to British news service Club Call.
The 23-year-old Belgian striker is yet to start a Premier League game this season for Chelsea, thanks to the scintillating form of Spanish striker Diego Costa. Batshuayi has made eight substitute appearances and three league cup starts though, scoring three goals for the Blues.
There have been rumors circling that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte doesn’t rate Batshuayi very highly. It is believed that the decision to bring him to Stamford Bridge was made by the sporting director Michael Emenalo.
The dearth of quality strikers in the squad made the signing a necessity. However, the resurgence of Diego Costa means that Bathshuayi is unlikely to get an extended run in the first team. The Spaniard has made three assists and smashed in ten goals, the highest in the Premier League.
Pedro and Eden Hazard are also capable of playing in the number nine position, and would probably be preferred if Costa gets injured or suspended.
West Ham will be hoping to use this to tempt the Belgian with regular first team football. It would be a difficult proposition though, as Chelsea would not be too keen to strengthen their local rivals. A loan move would be an unlikely coup for the Hammers if the Blues acquiesce this January.
