West Ham have made signing another forward a top priority and are continuing to work on a deal behind the scenes, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Irons want more attacking options for Julen Lopetegui.
Antonio and Danny Ings are both coming toward the end of their contracts in 2025, which could see them depart the club for free next summer.
That is leading to big question marks for the Irons to sort out the striking issues and provide enough quality moving forward.
Jarrod Bowen is already at the club and can play as a number nine, having proven himself as a talisman for West Ham.
The England international is now the club captain, and taking on the extra pressure of leading the line is an option for Lopetegui.
West Ham had also been linked with bringing Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League, but he ultimately joined AC Milan.
Even though Lopetegui has enough options for this season, if Ings and Antonio do depart it could leave him short in an attacking sense moving forward.
The Hammers are also looking to strengthen their squad at the other end of the pitch after missing out on signing John Egan.