Paul Merson suggests free agent and Arsenal striker as potential options for West Ham

By Will Butcher

Paul Merson has suggested two big-name strikers that West Ham United could sign in the coming months on Sky Sports News Soccer Saturday (Saturday, 1pm) in the form of Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette and free agent Diego Costa.

Lacazette, 29, has entered the final 18 months of his Arsenal contract and while he is in excellent form – scoring four goals in his last three Premier League games – his future remains in doubt. He could even be sold by the Gunners this month.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Costa finds himself without a home after Diego Simeone opted to terminate his contract after just seven appearances for Atletico Madrid this season – in which he scored only twice. The Sun claim Wolves are interested.

Merson discussed Costa and Lacazette’s situations in quick succession during Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News, and thinks both strikers would be ideal additions for West Ham – in the coming weeks, with the January window in full flow.

(Photo by Julian Finney – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

“He would be great for West Ham, perfect for West Ham, absolutely perfect. The way West Ham play at the moment, he could be the missing link, he could be the missing link,” Merson initially stated, regarding free agent Costa.

“There would be a lot queuing up for him, a lot queuing up for him, I mean, a lot. West Ham, he would suit West Ham. He brings players in, and they have got legs around at West Ham,” Merson then said on £180,000 a week (Spotrac) Lacazette.

TBR’s view – Do West Ham really need a striker?

Seb Haller has come in while Michail Antonio has been injured and done well, scoring excellent goals Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Antonio is clearly one of the club’s best players.

Bringing a third striker into the equation – such as Costa or Lacazette – would see Antonio drop out of the side, or see Costa and Lacazette become disgruntled on the bench. Haller would be third choice, and a very expensive third choice at that.

The Hammers need to concentrate on getting the best out of Haller and continuing to play to Antonio’s strengths.

(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)