Manuel Pellegrini can attract top players to West Ham, says Carlton Cole
Friday 25 May 2018 14:40, UK
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole expects new manager Manuel Pellegrini to attract top players to the club during the summer transfer window.
West Ham confirmed the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager on a three-year deal on Wednesday.
The 64-year-old, who has previously managed Real Madrid and Manchester City, left his role with Hebei China Fortune over the weekend to join the Hammers.
Sky Sports News understands he will earn around £7m a year, although he will be taking a significant pay cut having earned around £16m a year in China.
Pellegrini has already revealed his wishlist of up to five players as he promised an attacking revolution at West Ham during his first press conference.
Cole believes the Chilean can attract top talent to the London Stadium.
"Defnitely he is going to be attracting a few top players that he wants to fit into the team now. He may let a few go and let a few in. His money is going to be spent wisely," he told Sky Sports News.
"It's hard to [pick specific positions]. I think he needs to galvanise the team he has already got and then add a few players who can bring different angles to the team. Help approach the style of play he wants.
You have to look at his history - he likes to play the ball on the floor. He's gonna get some ball players in, maybe a defender, midfielder and striker."
Cole also says it is imperative that any players bought into the club complement last season's 'Hammer of the Year', Marko Arnautovic.
He added: "He's our key player at the moment. If we can get a few players to play off him and bring the best out of him even more, he'll turn out to be one of our best players again next season."
