Forum | Non-Football Related

As we have previously reported, La Liga's Real Betis are actively pursuing the signing of former Arsenal striker Luca Perez who has failed to establish himself at West Ham following his £4.5 million summer move. There seems to be a bit more than speculation involved in this 'linked to' story, Betis need to push on in order to try and cement an unlikely league finish above the mighty Real Madrid but lack the fiscal clout to 'do battle' with a financial big hitter like the World's 17th richest club, West Ham United!

Betis have also expressed an interest in signing Hammers target and MLS star Miguel Almiron, this could result in a bidding war with only one winner, despite splashing out close to £100 Million during the summer which required a short term loan facility, and also using the money received from selling off 10% of the club to Mr Tripp Smith, Hammers still have enough in the kitty to blow Betis out of the water. However instead of inter club conflict a solution might be found to suit all parties.

Having been heavily linked with a move for Atlanta hero Almiron in recent months, Hammers are keen to proceed in signing the Paraguayan who was voted the second best player in MLS and helped his side to a first title in the season that has just ended. West Ham would need guarantees that a deal can be done for Almiron before letting Perez go, otherwise it would leave Manuel Pellegrini too light up front bearing in mind both Chicharito and Andy Carroll's susceptibility for picking up injuries.

Miguel Amiron has expressed an 'acute' interest in playing in the most viewed league in the World, the lure of playing in London for a progressive side under fellow South American Manuel Pellegrini as manager, and alongside an international teammate in the shape of Fabian Balbuena, would suggest West Ham would be his preferred destination. A skilled playmaker Almiron is exactly the sort of player West Ham fans want to see the club invest in, a player who's value will only increase.

Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos have made a number of top signings including Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski and Fabian Balbuena, Andriy Yarmolenko also looked a fine prospect before his long term injury.
The feel good factor will have been further buoyed by the shrewd signing of Samir Nasri, who, on the evidence of his debut against Birmingham, looked a really class act. Hammers are being linked with virtually every player with a pulse during this transfer window probably as a result of having such a horrendous injury list, but quality not quantity will be the order of the day, if 'bodies' are required to make up the numbers Hammers do have an extraordinary crop of youngsters coming through the ranks, and from the recent academy graduates' showing there are plenty willing and able to step up to 'the next level', now where have we heard that 'next level' expression before? -Ed

The Emirates FA Cup fourth round sees West Ham United drawn to face AFC Wimbledon, Hammers have already faced Wimbledon at their Cherry Red Records home this season, having played them in the second round of the Carabao Cup in August. Manuel Pellegrini's men won on the day with goals from Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Javier Hernandez.

The Fourth round ties will be played on the weekend of the 26th of January television schedules permitting. There have already been some high profile departures from the much devalued competition, but it still has European qualification guaranteed, and progressing in the FA Cup gives fans and fringe players hope for the future. - Ed

There was a 'touch of the Di Canio' when Hammer's manager Manuel Pellegrini decided to 'hook' Marko Arnoutovic just a few minutes in to the cup tie against Birmingham City at the London Stadium. 'Arnie' had scored within two minutes but then fell quite heavily, when he got back to his feet he did the usual Arnoutovic grimace, he always looks as if he is carrying a knock! In this instance, whether he was crying wolf or not, Arnie found himself being 'hauled off' by his manager, who obviously had the slight matter of a crucial home game against Arsenal in a week's time on his mind.

Despite looking as if he was up for a strop, the Hammers hit man was given short shrift by the vastly experienced Pellegrini and soon settled down, although he did cast a few menacing glances in the direction of the medical team for a while. Interestingly Andy Carroll was chosen as Arnoutovic's replacement ahead of Lucas Pere,z which has led many to conclude that the Spaniard is being lined up for an exit, even though he has only recently signed a three year contract at the London Stadium.

Perez joined Arsenal for £17m from Deportivo La Coruna in 2016, but was shipped back to his former club on loan for the 2017/18 season before signing for the Irons this summer, Real Betis are one of a number of Spanish clubs keen on taking Perez back to Europe in January but because of FFP would only be able to offer a loan move. Perez's move was supposed to be a fresh start for a player woefully mistreated under the 'Wenger' regime he has scored four goals in 13 appearances with two of them coming in the Premier League in the one game against Cardiff City in November. Hammers are highly unlikely to sanction a loan deal unless they can bring in 'another body', that option might not be as hard as it first seems due to the emergence and availability of Xande Silva, who made his first senior start for the club in the FA Cup win over Birmingham.

Javier Hernandez is also expected to return to training soon after injury, and with Andy Carroll finally fit again, although God knows for how long, Perez could be surplus to requirements if the right offer comes in. Given the way these things tend to go, it would be no surprise if a cash laden Chinese side became part of the bidding process. - Ed