West Ham agree fee for former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou
Published:
West Ham are set to hijack West Brom’s move for former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou.
The Ivorian has been linked with the Baggies all summer, owing to his links with manager Steve Clarke whom he knows well from his time with the Blues.
However, it s being widely reported that the Lille man is set for talks with the Hammers after the two clubs agreed a £2.7m fee.
Sam Allardyce is keen to add to his attacking options, and the versatility offered by the 27-year-old, who can play wide, in behind the striker or as an out-and out centre forward could prove invaluable for the east London outfit, who are 7/4 to finish in the top 10.
Kalou never really blossomed at Stamford Bridge when he was signed as a hot prospect by Joes Mourinho after firing 42 goals for Feyenoord over two seasons in Holland.
His versatility may well have worked against him during his time in London as he was regularly played in a wide role that hindered his ability to show his prowess in front of goal.
Despite this he registered double figures in four of his six seasons with the Blues, while also chipping in with assists, achieving double figures in three of those campaigns.
These stats are all the more impressive given that the Ivory Coast international was used from the bench on numerous occasions throughout his Chelsea career.
The lure of London could be vital for West Ham as they hope to convince the forward to join them instead of West Brom, who are expected to come in with a bid to match the Irons, after initially hoping for a loan deal.
The player’s obvious links to the city could draw him back to the Premier League, and with West Ham keen to attack the top eight this term they would be willing to offer high wages to a player who notched 14 goals in 28 Ligue 1 clashes last term.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
