West Ham Opinion: Why the Hammers should go all out for Andrej Kramaric?

According to a report from Calciomercato, West Ham are targeting a summer swoop for Hoffenheim star Andrej Kramaric.

The Croatian international, 27, is in the form of his life in the Bundesliga, netting 15 goals in 24 games for Hoffenheim, including nine in his last 10 outings. He has also scored five goals in six Champions League games this term, establishing himself as a firm favourite at Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

Andrej Kramaric’s rip-roaring form has caught the attention of West Ham, who are in dire need of a new centre-forward for some time now. The Hammers have managed only 41 goals in 33 games, which is largely down to Marko Arnautovic’s massive dip in form since January.

Arnautovic was a January transfer target for Chinese clubs, Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou Evangrade, but after being knocked out of the FA Cup by League One minnows AFC Wimbledon, West Ham announced that the Austrian forward had agreed a new deal. But his new contract contains a clause which could see the 29-year-old leave the London Stadium for £45 million.

Regardless of what happens with Arnautovic in the summer, Manuel Pellegrini should sign a striker as Javier Hernandez continues to blow hot and cold, while Lucas Perez has proven to be a disastrous acquisition from Arsenal. If the Hammers are to make it to the Europe next season, signing Kramaric would a step in the right direction.

Kramaric had a forgettable spell at Leicester City but he has managed to revive his career with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as one of the deadliest poachers in Europe. The Croat has since spent the last three years showing why Leicester were wrong in letting him go.

West Ham, meanwhile, could have an incredibly composed finisher in front of goal if they manage to land Kramaric. He would give them a real presence up top and could combine well with the classy Felipe Anderson. His pace and power would give the Hammers another option in the attack, whilst at 27-years-old he is a player that is operating in his prime.

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The Croatian international will be a perfect match, and he could definitely help West Ham challenge for a place in Europe next season.

Verdict

The obvious issue is that Hoffenheim will not let go of their prized asset on cheap in the summer, meaning West Ham will need to break their bank to sign the forward. But if Pellegrini manages to land Kramaric, it’ll represent a real coup for the Hammers.