West Ham were easily swept aside by Premier League champions Manchester City at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Hammers were three goals down after just 35 minutes following a blistering start to the affair by Pep Guardiola’s men. Goals from David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane ended the game before half-time, with Sane going on to secure his brace in second-half injury time. Despite the result, West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini will be pleased with his side’s improved display after the interval.
The result leaves the Hammers firmly in mid-table, but a potential injury to Marko Arnautovic will be deeply concerning for the ex-Real Madrid boss. The Austrian has been their key player so far this season and could join Ryan Fredericks on the sidelines. The former Fulham man has been ruled out until the end of the year, leaving Pablo Zabaleta as the only recognised right-back at the club.
To address their injury crisis, and indeed look towards the long-term given Zabaleta will turn 34 in January, Pellegrini should make a move for Monaco defender Almamy Toure in the January transfer window.
Valued at £7.2 million by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old was a key player for the French side who decided to sign Benjamin Henrichs in the summer. His contract is set to expire in the summer, and as such he could opt to depart following the dismissal of Leonardo Jardim – West Ham must be ready to pounce.
Toure is an excellent defender who would add some much-needed stability to the Hammers backline. The Malian is strong in the challenge and has averaged an incredible 3.3 tackles per game in Ligue 1; more than any other West Ham player. Toure is also an expert at reading the game, averaging 2.8 interceptions per game, which is again more than any other West Ham player this season (WhoScored).
Potentially available at a great price in the New Year, this would be a masterstroke of a signing by Pellegrini, equipping with a defender not only great for the present, but also for the future at the London Stadium.
West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!