West Ham United have been linked with a plethora of strikers this summer, and the latest name to surface is West Bromwich Albion’s forward Jose Salomon Rondon.
Wolves and his recent employers, Newcastle United, are also interested in signing the 29-year-old.
According to Chronicle Live, however, West Ham United have contacted the Venezuelan International’s agent following his impressive displays on loan at Newcastle this past season.
Rondon managed 12 goals and 7 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions, and was named Newcastle’s Player of the Year after his goals helped them escape relegation and finish 13th in the Premier League table.
Why Salomon Rondon would be a solid addition to the West Ham United squad
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini took the club to a top half finish, and will aim higher next season. The Chilean likes to play a possession-based attacking style of football, as he did in his time with Manchester City a few years ago.
The manager sets his team up in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-4-1 formation, with the team forming a 4-5-1 shape during the defensive phase of the game. Rondon, who predominantly features as a centre-forward, can serve as a lone man upfront under the Chilean.
The Venezuelan International has the strength to bully defenders, and possesses the ability to dribble past players as he is deceptively good on the ball.
Rondon is also known for his aerial prowess, and managed an average of 4.6 aerial duels won per game last season.
The 29-year-old can be a handful for the opposition inside the 18-yard box, and is a proven Premier League forward, having played for the likes of Newcastle and West Brom.
Pellegrini’s options in the final third seem to have taken a hit with the uncertain future of star striker Marko Arnautovic who was linked with a move to China in January. The likes of Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll have also misfired and have left a lot to be desired.
Perez won’t be at Hammers next season having completed his move to Primera Liga side Deportivo Alaves, while Carroll will be a free agent come July 1st.
West Brom, who will stay in the Championship for at least one more year, are willing to sell Rondon at his release clause of £16.5m, a fairly cheap option for West Ham.
Rondon could prove to be a good addition to the Hammers squad who are in dire need of a goal-scorer upfront.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored