West Ham fans may be growing tired with the array of transfer reports flooding social media and the back pages, whilst their club continues to be relatively quiet in the market, but the Hammers’ approach is understandable considering the issues they faced a year ago.
Last year, West Ham were incredibly active in the market to bring a wealth of fresh faces to the London Stadium but the vast majority of them failed to make a positive impression, with a number of those additions having already seen their spells with the Hammers ended.
West Ham need to be careful to avoid any deals this summer that could present similar issues for the Hammers and one major deal they should avoid concerns Arsenal ace Jack Wilshere, amidst reports Slaven Bilic’s side have been made favourites to secure a deal.
The England international was highly-rated upon his breakthrough into Arsenal’s senior squad, making a huge impression in a famous Champions League win over Barcelona in 2011, but he’s struggled to land consistent opportunities since due to an array of injury issues.
In a quest for regular action last season, Wilshere secured a move to join Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth and whilst he managed to avoid injury for the majority of the campaign, before another leg break in the back-end of the season, he didn’t put his name up in lights either.
Wilshere now faces a huge year ahead as he looks to fulfil his potential and become a regular player in the Premier League, which is crucial for him as he’s now 25, but it’s a dangerous signing for Bilic to pursue as the likelihood is further injury problems will occur.
Arsenal are also unlikely to sell for a low price, given the expectation that Wilshere can become a huge star if he bounces back from his injury problems, and the fact that he’s homegrown drives the price up higher- meaning West Ham could be forced to pay a club-record sum.
In reality, there’s not really any positives for West Ham pursuing a deal as it’s probably the biggest risk the Hammers could make this summer- even a more for Liverpool’s injury prone forward Daniel Sturridge would be more appealing, as you’re guaranteed a return when he is fit.
Wilshere and his entourage may be angling for a move this summer but West Ham need to avoid the lure that’s dipped into the market, as Bilic would be much better off spending his transfer kitty elsewhere rather than take a punt on an out-of-sorts midfielder.