West Ham have made it clear they intend to challenge the big boys following their move to the London Stadium last summer but their debut campaign in their new home was far from the season that fans were hoping for.

The Hammers struggled to get the best out of a wealth of summer signings a year ago, many of whom have already departed East London, and Slaven Bilic’s transfer strategy this summer has changed significantly- although it seems West Ham face the same issues.

The Daily Telegraph reports West Ham have seen bids for FC Koln striker Anthony Modeste and Villarreal forward Cedric Bakambu rejected, with both offers reportedly worth around £22m- more than the figure they paid for Andre Ayew a year ago.

Those prices would see the Hammers set a club-record fee but their advances have been knocked back, with West Ham stunned by the asking prices across Europe this summer- which could provide a huge issue to their summer spending.

A move for Modeste could be difficult to complete as it’s understood the German side are demanding a phenomenal £39m fee despite the fact their French striker is 29, due to interest from China- where Modeste saw a move fall through last week.

That means West Ham may have to significantly raise their offer if they’re to land a forward that scored 25 Bundesliga goals last season and the Hammers face similar issues in their pursuit of Bakambu, who scored 22 goals for Villarreal last year and can also play in a wide position.

West Ham co-chairman David Gold revealed this week that his side are determined to strengthen their ranks this summer by securing two top-class strikers but the Hammers don’t have an endless pit of cash, which means they face the risk of entering the season without solving all of their issues.

Two top-class strikers will be costly for the Hammers and may limit their ability to get deals done in other areas, especially as prices on the continent seem to be rising significantly- with many Premier League sides likely set to spend record amounts this summer.

Whilst West Ham may hope they have other options in the form of Olivier Giroud, Michy Batshuayi and Kelechi Iheanacho, the Premier League trio will have significant asking prices of their own- which may lead to a difficult few months for Hammers fans.