£24 million ace is 'a striker's dream', says former West Ham striker

By Tom Procter

Former West Ham star Dean Ashton believes the club have made a brilliant signing in Pablo Fornals.

The Spaniard was snapped up for reported fee of £24 million a couple of weeks ago (BBC Sport), and there is plenty of hype surrounding the attacking midfielder.

Fornals’ stock soared after a great season with Villarreal in 2018/19 in which he regularly wowed with his arsenal of tricks and fast feet.

(Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

The club moved fairly quickly to seal a transfer for Fornals and he will be tasked with being the team’s creative force next season – something Ashton believes he is more than capable of.

The former Hammer said (via the club’s official website): “Fornals is a player that is going to excite West Ham fans.

“Maybe at times last season that was something the team was slightly lacking in midfield; that bit of creativity to break certain teams down, but he can add that for sure. Fornals would absolutely be a striker’s dream to play with.”

TBR’s view

Fornals has the potential to become a real fans’ favourite at the London Stadium given his exciting play style.

The 23-year-old is a fine playmaker but also loves to entertain when the opportunity arises.

(Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Marko Arnautovic could potentially have a field day next term if Fornals settles quickly and produces the magic he is capable of.

All has been quiet on the Austrian striker’s future of late, suggesting that he will be staying put to take advantage of Fornals’ creativity.