Strike(r) Light Part Deux

Following on from our first Strike(r) Light article, the next 'realistic' possibility is Bournemouth's Arnaut Danjuma. The young striker was in fine form for the Cherries last season as they fell just short of getting promoted back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.

Those who question the wisdom of dipping down to the lower leagues for players should perhaps take a reality check, in case you have been in a coma, Hammers are dead broke and will struggle to meet the transfer fees and wages of 'ideal' targets, Consequently recruitment needs to be creative, which can lead to risk taking.

Considering some of the club's previous signings pre-Moyes, buying Armstrong is a no brainer, his value is more than likely sure to go up, if not it won't go down noticeably. Armstrong may look 35, but he is actually only 25 years old and in his prime, with a good few years left in the tank.

Southampton, flush with their Ings' cash, are also said to be interested, however the lure of the big city and the incentive of European football, makes West Ham a slightly more attractive proposition than the South Coast outfit. If Hammers do want to pursue the signing of Armstrong, they had better get a move on as the game of transfer 'musical chairs' plays out.

Should the pursuit of Armstrong go the way of all Hammers other efforts, then the signing of a player like Arnaut Danjuma seems to make more and more sense, at least he is not old, he actually fits Moyes' young, hungry and keen template and would not cost the earth, however new Bournemouth manager, ex-Hammer Scott Parker might have other ideas, although he is operating under severe financial restrictions as well!

Being left without an additional striker other than just Michail Antonio would be a disaster and put the kibosh on any hopes of success this time out, we understand there is no money, but surely the piggy banks can rattled to at least give David Moyes a slight chance for the new season.

It has been suggested that David Moyes is keeping the money required for the new striker in reserve for his final tilt at getting Tammy Abraham, but what if it all goes belly up? Where will the club be? There has to be a plan B, a plan C or even a plan D in place surely?

Armstrong and Danjuma are real, in this country and are available, no smoke and mirrors, perhaps not very exotic, but then we have seen the cost of bringing in 'luxury' 'exotic' players and are still paying for it! - Ed