West Ham Sets Sights on Dominic Solanke for Summer Transfer Blitz
West Ham United have named Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke as their #1 target for the summer transfer window, with the Englishman highly regarded by the Hammers.
West Ham's need for a striker during the summer transfer window is well-known, and the 26-year-old has been in red-hot form for the Cherries this season, with only Erling Haaland (17) and Mohamed Salah (15) scoring more league goals. Ollie Watkins (13), Bukayo Saka, and Son Heung-min (both 12) are all behind Solanke in this season's scoring charts.
Bowen has done well while playing centrally this season, but the ideal scenario would be to recruit an experienced centre-forward, allowing Bowen to return to his more comfortable role on the wing.
Signing Solanke would not only strengthen the team's effectiveness in front of goal, but he would also help meet the homegrown player requirements. Being a homegrown player appeals to West Ham, who can have a maximum of 17 players who do not fit the Premier League's “homegrown player” criteria. Moyes has eight slots in their 25-man squad. With Kalvin Phillips’ loan expiring at the end of the 2023–24 season and Ben Johnson out of contract, West Ham will have two homegrown spaces available in the squad, with Solanke capable of filling one.
Given how well Solanke has performed this season, Bournemouth are likely to demand a hefty fee for their dangerous forward. However, the Irons are set to face stiff competition for his services from other Premier League clubs. In the final hours of the winter market, Tottenham were rumoured to be interested in the Englishman. Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the No. 9 in the past and could look to fill the centre-forward-shaped hole in their side with the Premier League marksman.
Solanke hasn't managed to score consistently in the Premier League throughout his career; however, he has scored 14 goals in 24 games this season. However, he has won plaudits from both Thierry Henry and Darren Bent. In December, when working as an Amazon Prime analyst, Henry praised the striker. Thierry Henry, former Arsenal and France striker, is a fan of Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke, as reported by the club's website:
“What he’s doing right now is brilliant. Not only him, but I’m happy for him because he did struggle for a little bit, but now he’s looking good.”
Solanke's knack for scoring twice at home and away against West Ham this season has undoubtedly made the club's management take note of his talents. Given the Irons' urgent requirement for a striker, Solanke filling that role for the 2024–25 season may be a very smart move.