Three out-of-contract players West Ham have got to sign this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham United desperately need a striker in the summer, with doubts surrounding all of their current goal-getters. Andy Carroll is set to see his contract expire, and an ankle injury means he may have played his last game in claret and blue.

Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez was linked with Valencia in January and he could leave, while the rumours are unlikely to stop regarding Marko Arnautovic. Lucas Perez is way down the pecking order.

Here are three out-of-contract strikers West Ham have to take a look at:

Olivier Giroud

An obvious one to begin with. The Chelsea striker is a proven Premier League goalscorer, and at 32 years of age, he may look to join a side where he is going to be guaranteed regular first-team football.

The former Arsenal man has shown he still has the touch with nine goals in nine Europa League appearances. Though his wages will be high, on a free, Giroud would be a top, top signing for the Hammers.

Max Kruse

Away from the Premier League, Werder Bremen captain Max Kruse is available for nothing. The 31-year-old is enjoying another excellent season, scoring nine goals and creating 12 more.

Able to play in the 10 role or out wide as well as his centre-forward position, the 14-time Germany international would not only bring goals but creativity to the London Stadium. An excellent, yet perhaps underrated signing.

Mario Balotelli

Loosely linked with the Italian, Mario Balotelli would be a top signing for the Hammers. The 28-year-old was enigmatic for OGC Nice last season, scoring 26 in 38 games. This season, has has five in eight for Marseille after joining them in January.

His Liverpool struggles came after a lack of game time. So giving him the title as West Ham’s number one, he would finally get the chance to work under Manuel Pellegrini – after missing out narrowly at Manchester City.