It’s clear that West Ham will need to strengthen up front before the transfer window shuts, but which strikers are they interested in and who would be the best candidate?

Let’s look at some of the strikers who have been linked with a move to the Hammers over the past few weeks:

Danny Welbeck

We have already focused on the former Arsenal star in another blog post, but suffice to say it would be a big risk to sign another player who is prone to injury issues.

The fact that he is available on a free transfer may tempt Mario Husillos and Manuel Pellegrini into offering him a contract.

Daniel Sturridge

In a very similar boat to Welbeck due to the fact that he is free but is likely to pick up a number of injuries. Looking at his stats, he has a lower goal conversion rate than the ex-Gunners star while the former Liverpool forward also has a lower percentage for shots on target.

With his lower work rate, as well, you would have to say that Welbeck would be the better candidate out of the two.

Fedor Chalov

The Russian is said to be valued at around £14m, which may still be beyond West Ham considering their limited transfer funds.

However, he could be a good addition to the squad. He has a high number of touches in the box (5.34 per 90 minutes, according to Wyscout), with 51% of his shots on target.

Chalov scored 18 times for CSKA Moscow last season, with an xG (expected goals) of 16, which suggests he is putting away some difficult chances.

Neal Maupay

Probably the least likely to be signed as Brentford are reportedly demanding a fee between £15m and £20m, but the Frenchman does have a proven goalscoring record in the Championship.

Maupay put away 28 goals in all competitions last campaign, with a conversion rate of 18.75%. He also managed eight assists which is double the number of any of the other players on this list.

Chuba Akpom

The ex-Arsenal youth product is currently plying his trade in Greece but the Hammers have been linked with a cut-price £5m deal for the 23-year-old.

Akpom scored eight goals last season, but with an xG of 10, it means he could be better at converting chances into goals. His conversion rate of 16% is also pretty average.

Out of the names on the list, I think the most realistic would be Welbeck but if a move for Chalov is possible, he could be someone worth shelling out on.