West Ham United are reportedly interested in a move for Breel Embolo as David Moyes seeks a striker to compete with Michail Antonio.
According to the Sunday Mirror, as relayed by HITC, West Ham United are interested in signing Breel Embolo in the January transfer window to shore up their options in attack. Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly willing to listen to reasonable offers to raise funds from player sales.
West Ham United have been one of the most improved sides in the Premier League in recent years, staying in the hunt for a top-four finish under the tutelage of David Moyes. The Hammers seemed to slip up a bit in December with unwanted results, but now they seem back in the race.
West Ham currently sit in fifth place on the Premier League table, with their victory over Crystal Palace bringing them within a point of fourth-placed Arsenal. However, with the UEFA Europa League and FA Cup games coming in the next months, Moyes will need more squad depth to compete on all fronts.
After losing two of their main defenders to injuries, Moyes will look to strengthen his options at the back, along with other key areas. The West Ham boss will address the need for a striker as an alternative to Michail Antonio, who has led the line on his own all season, with Mariano Diaz one of the names on their radar.
While the Jamaican international has done a superb job, he could face fitness concerns and is unlikely to play all of the upcoming games. Moyes does not just want a stop-gap solution, but someone to complement, compete with and eventually be Antonio’s long-term successor in the position.
West Ham have now rekindled their interest in Breel Embolo, who has risen in stature at Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach in recent seasons. The 24-year-old Swiss international is a physical presence, like Antonio, and considered an all-action star, rather than a static striker, such as the previous incumbent Sebastien Haller.
The Hammers were previously chasing Embolo in the summer after his displays at UEFA Euro 2020 with Switzerland. He looks ready for the Premier League and could be a good addition to a team like West Ham, who have a physical approach to their game.
Gladbach could be open to a reasonable offer as they are seeking new additions themselves, for which they seek to raise funds from player sales. The Swiss forward has a contract until 2023, which will allow the Bundesliga club to get a fair value in the January window.
The east Londoners are also looking towards alternatives, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang one of the options under consideration. There are several other candidates on Moyes’s shortlist, although the West Ham manager will look towards someone who is financially viable and adds immense value to his current setup.
As for Embolo, the 24-year-old could be a huge signing for the Hammers as he could be perfect for the Premier League. He could also take this opportunity to further his career and kickstart his time in England after spending considerable time in the Bundesliga.