West Ham United are working hard on securing the forward targets identified by Gianfranco Zola ahead of the 2009/10 season.
CEO Scott Duxbury has given whufc.com an update on the latest transfer situation with just over a week to go until the big Barclays Premier League kick-off. This summer, the club has signed the attack-minded Luis Jimenez from Internazionale as well as young prospect Frank Nouble.
"I know the fans are waiting for us to sign at least one more forward and that is what we are working to do," said Duxbury. "Gianfranco, Gianluca Nani and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one more into the squad as soon as possible. We are talking every day and working very hard to make this happen. The reality is we are looking at top-quality players and these deals can take time."
With left-back Fabio Daprela's arrival, the manager has a strong pool of defenders including Danny Gabbidon's return and the midfield has been boosted by the fitness of Kieron Dyer, Jack Collison and Scott Parker. Although Luis Boa Morte is out for several months after suffering his injury in China, Valon Behrami has stepped up his rehab and is getting close to a return to full training while Dean Ashton continues to make good progress.
Duxbury added: "It is important we keep the supporters updated as much as we can with the squad and what we are doing during the transfer window. We all recognise your concern with regard to striker recruitment and this is our top priority. As the manager has also said in the press, we are trying to add more attacking options.
"Luis Jimenez was an important signing for Gianfranco and it was good to get the deal done so early in the summer. Not all transfers are as straightforward and the other high-profile targets we have been following have required us to be patient. Rest assured everyone at the club is working hard to bring further recruits to the squad - especially a forward."