The management, however, has relied on the Croatian tactician once more, following prolonged discussions as they believe Bilic is still the right man for the job, to turn things around with proper additions to his current side. The Hammers have already brought in two experienced resources from league heavyweights Manchester City – Pablo Zabaleta has joined them on a Bosman transfer after being released by Pep Guardiola upon expiration of his contract, and English custodian Joe Hart has been loaned in for the forthcoming season.
Also, they have reportedly agreed on a deal for former Manchester United hitman Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who had a couple of impressive seasons with Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen. He is expected to solve their striking solution with his goal-poaching instinct and Premier League experience. The Hammers had a couple of bids
rejected for Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic, who
handed in a transfer request a couple of weeks back. Bilic, who also had a spell with the Londoners during his playing days, is confident of land the Austrian attacker and expects that a third bid will be accepted by the Potters in coming days.
Reports in Italy suggest that the West Ham manager also had a fruitful conversation with Lazio winger Keita Balde Diao, who is also a transfer target of reigning Serie A champions Juventus following his majestic 2016-17 league season where he netted 16 goals in 31 league outings. Both Arnautovic and Keita Balde usually operate from the left wing. However, the latter might be explored as a ‘trequartista’ due to his goal-scoring traits.
Michail Antonio will return in his usual right wing position after spending majority of last season as a make-shift centre forward. Manuel Lanzini will be shifted to a central midfield role in order to act as a bridge between his attackers and back-line, as well as partner skipper Mark Noble in midfield, who will feature in his trademark deep-lying playmaking role. The likes of Cheikhou Kouyaté, Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes will keep on knocking the first team door and provide tough competition in the middle of the park.
West ham’s defence is stable now following veteran Portuguese international Jose Fonte’s arrival and a fit-again Angelo Ogbonna, along with Winston Reid and James Collins being ready to fight for a starting place in Bilic’s squad. Pablo Zabaleta and Aaron Cresswell will be first choice fullbacks. However, Sam Byram and Arthur Masuaku will continue as their deputy.
Here is how their starting lineup could look like including new arrivals and potential arrivals:
With Adrian between the sticks along with Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew, Robert Snodgrass and Enner Valencia as attacking backups, the Hammers will have enough depth in their squad as the Croatian eyes a remarkable season in the London Stadium.