Opinion: If ‘complete striker’ is made available this summer, West Ham simply have to go for him

By Rory Godier

According to The Sun, Frank Lampard is set to begin a ‘massive overhaul’ of his squad this summer at Everton. With his form and price diminishing, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin seems to be the first name on auction.

West Ham and Arsenal are both said to be hot on his trail, especially with the news that Everton would be willing to part with him for significantly less than the January transfer window price they set of £60 Million.

For a player that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti once called ‘a complete striker’, West Ham should be doing everything in their power to get him to the London Stadium.

He suits the Hammers perfectly

West Ham are known for their physicality and use of both quick counter-attacking transition play as well as maximizing their set pieces through the accurate delivery of players like Aaron Cresswell and Said Benrahma. Calvert Lewin would slot right in.

He is dominant in the air and holds the record for most headed goals in the Premier League since the start of the 2019/20 season according to WhoScored.com. A dream for a player like Cresswell.

Calvert-Lewin can also play with his back to goal and possess’ a surprising turn of pace for a player of his height (6ft 2) and stature.

West Ham’s current first-choice striker Michail Antonio has been accused (in Dutch) of being ‘clumsy and unpolished’ by former Ajax player Jan van Helst. As much as it may pain Hammers fans to admit, he may have a point.

While his physical presence allows him to bruise his way past most players, his poor first touch and sometimes baffling decision-making make him a polarizing figure for the West Ham faithful.

He could also do with a rest. He has played 34 of a possible 44 games this season for the Hammers and because of the pace he plays at, he gets injured a lot. He needs backup.

He himself told the Footballer’s Football podcast that “I want someone to push me to make me be better and that is the reason why I want someone in to help me.”.

Calvert Lewin’s signing could allow Antonio the chance he has been asking for.

West Ham must move fast

Alan Nixon’s article also mentioned interest from Arsenal. If the season thus far is any indication of who will be best placed to attract Calvert-Lewin you would probably put Arsenal in the driver’s seat.

They look to be the favourites for 4th place in the Premier League and a spot in the Champions League.

With Lacazette’s contract up at the end of the season, they will be looking for a new 1st choice striker. With Calvert-Lewin yet to experience Champions League football in his career, this will be a big draw.

This is why West Ham must move quickly.

Their continued competitiveness in the Europa League is something they should point to. With the Europa League winners getting a place in the Champions League, they could level the playing field against Arsenal for the Hammers.

West Ham must go in now, make the offer needed to the Everton hierarchy and show Calvert Lewin that in terms of footballing style, there is no place that will suit him better than West Ham United.