Carlton Cole Urges West Ham To Strengthen Their Defence This Summer

Former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has urged his old club to strengthen their defence in this summer’s transfer market.

The Hammers were uncharacteristically leaky under David Moyes last season, shipping 74 goals across 38 games, but they are just 6/1 with betting sites to land a top-six finish in 2024/25.

Moyes has now been replaced by Julen Lopetegui, who wasted little time in bringing Max Kilman to the London Stadium.

Thilo Kehrer has departed the club and there has been talk of Kurt Zouma following his fellow centre-back through the exit door.

More Defensive Reinforcements Needed

Cole says he wants to see another defender arrive at West Ham before the window closes.

“We (West Ham) need centre-halves at the moment. We’ve got an ageing squad so we’ve got to cut down the average age and plan for the next four to five years,” Cole said in an exclusive chat with Gambling.com.

“Jake O’Brien has had a great season so hopefully that does happen as he looks like he could adapt to the Premier League.

“We are all speculating who is coming in and going at the moment but all we need to do is get behind the manager.

“The team are out in Austria at the moment preparing for pre-season so it will be a good chance for him (Lopetegui) to have a look at his squad and he will know exactly what he wants.

“I know he is working closely with (technical director) Tim Steidten so hopefully we get another defender in to replace the one that has already left.”

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West Ham In The Market For A Striker

West Ham are also looking to add to their options at the other end of the pitch.

Michail Antonio endured an injury-hit season last time out, with the long-serving striker set to turn 35 next March.

Jarrod Bowen was often chosen as the line-leader in 2023/24, despite preferring to play on the right.

With Danny Ings set to leave the club in the coming weeks, West Ham are short of options up top.

Lille's Jonathan David is one name under consideration and Cole says he wants to see another striker added to the ranks.

“I would like to see any kind of striker come in to be honest!” he added. 

“We already know that Danny Ings has been linked with a move away from the club but it’s all speculation at the moment. The manager needs a bit of time to see what kind of players we have at the club.

“Danny Ings might need a change so we definitely need to change the front line and help Michail Antonio, who the manager definitely wants. He is important to keep the continuity of the team’s spine.”

Could Duran Be On The Radar?

Another frontman who has been spoken of as a potential West Ham target is Jhon Duran of Aston Villa.

The Colombia international struggled for game time behind Ollie Watkins last season and is said to be considering his future.

And Cole thinks Duran would be a smart addition to the West Ham squad - not least because he reminds him of a certain ex-Hammers forward.

“I like the way he (Duran) plays, he’s a nuisance to any defender!” Cole said. 

“He’s a busy player and he looks like he can run in behind and receive the ball to feet. He actually reminds me of a young Carlton Cole to be honest! I would like to see him in West Ham colours for sure.”

West Ham will begin the new Premier League season against Aston Villa on August 17.

Lopetegui’s side can be backed at 20/1 to finish in the top four and are also priced at 20/1 with betting apps to suffer relegation to the Championship.