West Ham United's urgent search for a new striker has suffered a significant setback, with a planned move for Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah collapsing due to injury.
Hammers' January Plans Derailed
The Hammers had identified the former Arsenal striker as a key target this month as they battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League. However, according to reports from talkSPORT, the potential deal has been "scuppered" after Nketiah picked up a fresh hamstring problem.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the issue this week, stating, "Eddie is out for this game, so let’s see for the next game. We don’t know exactly how long it will take [to recover]. It’s a little bit his muscle... he’s had a few issues this year, and that’s why we are quite cautious."
Nketiah's Injury-Plagued Season
The £30 million signing from Arsenal last summer has endured a difficult campaign at Selhurst Park, starting just five games and missing 11 matches across all competitions due to various fitness issues. Despite his limited minutes, he has managed to score four times this season.
For West Ham, the failed pursuit is a major blow. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is desperately short of options up front, with Callum Wilson currently the only natural central striker in the squad. This has forced Nuno to deploy wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville in the role recently.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
Sitting in the bottom three of the Premier League, the Irons are four points from safety and six points behind 16th-placed Leeds United. The need for attacking reinforcement is acute.
The club had also shown interest in Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen but were reportedly deterred by a £40 million asking price. They are, however, close to completing a deal for Brazilian forward Pablo from Portuguese side Gil Vicente.
Ahead of a crucial weekend fixture against Wolves, Nuno Espirito Santo highlighted his team's defensive frailties: "It’s hard when we have to score three goals to win a football match. We have to solve our problems... But at the same time, we have to improve in our own box."
With the January transfer window now a critical period, West Ham's recruitment team must swiftly identify alternative targets to bolster their frontline and aid their fight for survival.
