Experienced Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, which fell through, but now the 33-year-old striker has been linked with a transfer to West Ham United.
The Croatian striker is reportedly a target for the Hammers as they are short of forwards following the sale of several of their forwards.
According to Italian website Tuttojuve, the Juventus striker is on the wish list of West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Mandzukic is yet to play a game in Serie A for the Italian giants, while he has also been excluded from the Champions League squad which hints that he is no longer wanted by Juventus.
Mandzukic has been at Juventus for four seasons, having joined from Atletico Madrid in 2015. The experienced striker has scored 44 goals in 162 games for the Italian club, being a part of the league-winning side for four back-to-back seasons.
Mandzukic would be a good backup for Haller
Mandzukic is an experienced player, who has played for top clubs in Germany, Italy, and Spain, while also being an integral part of the Croatian side that reached the finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Juventus striker is known for his goal-scoring exploits, as well as his work ethic on the pitch, which has won him a lot of fans.
The 33-year-old could be a shrewd signing by Pellegrini at West Ham as Mandzukic has loads of experience, while also being a good influence on the team.
Mandzukic, with his goalscoring, aerial presence, as well as his good link-up play, could be a very good signing for the Hammers. The forward can play as a No. 9, up top, or as a wide attacker, drifting in from the right into central areas.
West Ham United have a shortage of strikers following the sale of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, and Lucas Perez, as well as the release of Andy Carroll, who has re-joined Newcastle United.
The Hammers have just two strikers in their ranks presently, summer signings Sébastien Haller and Albian Ajeti. Ajeti is yet to make his debut for the Hammers, while Haller has got off to a good start.
Mandzukic’s arrival would add more depth and freshness to the squad in the second half of the season.