West Ham eyeing established Premier League striker after recent reports

West Ham have been linked to a wealth of big names this summer as they seek to bolster their attacking ranks but the latest report comes from a bit closer to home, as it’s suggested the Hammers are eyeing an established Premier League name.

The Daily Mirror states Slaven Bilic’s side are contemplating a summer swoop for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who has revealed he is frustrated with his lack of opportunities after he occupied the bench for the majority of the past season.

30-year-old Giroud has showed his class in recent weeks after setting up Aaron Ramsey’s winning goal in the FA Cup final, becoming the first French player to score a hat-trick for the national side since David Trezeguet in 2000 and then netting a stunning goal against Sweden on Friday night.

With Arsenal eyeing top-class striking additions this summer, which could see the Gunners spend a club-record price, Giroud’s chances next season seem limited- and West Ham are ready to offer the veteran French striker the chance to remain within the Premier League.

Giroud boasts an impressive record of 69 goals in 113 Premier League appearances for Arsenal but has often been criticised by fans and the media alike- but a move to West Ham could rejuvenate his career ahead of the World Cup next summer.

The French striker currently stands in a strong position to lead Didier Deschamps’ forward line in Russia next year, after recently equalling Karim Benzema’s record for Les Bleus, but he faces intense competition from the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe, to name a few.

West Ham have been linked with the services of Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi, both of whom also have a lot to prove ahead of the World Cup next summer, but the addition of either of those young strikers wouldn’t quite be enough.

The Hammers also need experience in their forward options and Giroud certainly has that, whilst he could fit into Slaven Bilic’s style of play fantastically as comparisons could be made towards injury-prone striker Andy Carroll.

With Giroud playing alongside a young striker, West Ham could certainly get the best out of the experienced striker as he’s often looked out of place when playing as a sole forward- but he excels when given the right support, which could come via a strike partner.

West Ham fans may turn their nose up at these reports but it’s definitely something Slaven Bilic could consider ahead of the new season.