West Ham United closing in on €40m-rated attacker: Just what Pellegrini needs

West Ham United have been tipped as the favourites to sign FC Porto forward Moussa Marega, it has been claimed.

According to A Bola, West Ham are in pole position to sign Moussa Marega as they look to bolster their attacking department this summer. The FC Porto striker is likely to leave the club in the summer as the Dragao look to cash in on few of their star players.

It is believed that Marega could cost somewhere in the region of €40 million, which is apparently the value of his release clause this summer.

Moussa Marega: Perfect option for Pellegrini

Marega has been one of the most consistent strikers in the LIGA NOS for the past few years. Since joining Porto back in 2016, the Malian international has already netted as many as 45 goals in less than 100 competitive games for the Portuguese giants.

This season has been no exception either, with the forward plundering 11 goals in 28 matches despite featuring in a slightly withdrawn role for the most part of the campaign. He has also chipped in with seven assists – making him the most productive attacker for Porto this season.

As those numbers suggest, Marega is a productive striker who can revamp West Ham’s offensive department next season. He normally likes to play in-behind the main striker, where his ability to thread in passes and link-up with teammates becomes most effective. He has averaged more than one key pass per game this season, which is quite impressive for a striker.

A key feature in Marega’s game is his versatility. Aside from playing as the secondary striker, the Malian can also operate in wide-attacking roles as well as a number nine. And this could make him an ideal signing for a West Ham side who struggled with injuries to their star attackers throughout the season.

When featuring in a wider position, Marega likes to cut-inside and open up spaces for the fullbacks to make overlapping runs on the far side. This tunes in well with the inverted wingers and attacking fullbacks Pellegrini has at his disposal right now and could serve his side well from a tactical perspective.

Additionally, Marega is also a scourge in the air, having won over two headed duels per game. His biggest asset, however, is his lethal finishing as he often tends to make full use of the opportunities handed to him – making him a tailor-made fit for the Hammers as they aim to make a mark in the Premier League next season.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored