Nuno Espirito Santo has made clear that West Ham United's summer recruitment drive is far from finished, insisting the club must add more attacking options despite the Championship record signing of Arne Engels from Celtic.

A record arrival, but more needed

Engels joined for a reported £22 million, understood to be the highest fee ever paid by a Championship club, and he is the fourth new face through the door at the London Stadium since West Ham's relegation from the top flight. He follows Brighton defender Joel Veltman, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Manor Solomon, and the permanent signing of Keiber Lamadrid, who had spent the second half of last season on loan from Deportivo La Guaira.

Despite that activity, Nuno was unambiguous in his assessment after Sunday's 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, West Ham's first Championship fixture in more than 14 years.

"We need players, especially in the offensive part of the team," the manager said. "We have young lads, we have options of double full-back, like we did in the last game and in this game, but we need more bodies in the offensive part of the team."

Engels: a profile that excites Nuno

The Hammers boss spoke warmly about what the new midfield signing could bring to the club, pointing to his Celtic record of 17 goals and 22 assists across 100 appearances as evidence of the creative threat he can provide.

"He's a very good player. I think he'll help us a lot in the middle of the park, where we have two young players," Nuno said. "We have Tomas [Soucek] too. When he returns, I think we'll have more options and be stronger in the middle of the park."

Soucek is clearly not yet available, adding further urgency to West Ham's need for bodies in central areas and higher up the pitch.

Summer business continuing at pace

Nuno acknowledged that the club's recruitment team are working at speed to identify and land further targets before the transfer window closes, though he stopped short of naming any specific players of interest.

"There's a lot of activity. The club knows the targets and the needs of the team. We're working very hard and trying to get the bodies in as soon as possible," he said.

The sense from Nuno's comments is that the front line, rather than the engine room, is the priority. West Ham were 2-0 up at Burnley before conceding twice to draw, and while the scoreline was frustrating, it was the inability to put games out of sight that appeared to concern the manager most. Adding a cutting edge in the final third looks to be the next item on the agenda.

What the window could still deliver

West Ham's transfer activity has already been substantial by Championship standards; a record-breaking central midfield signing, an experienced international defender, and two further additions reflect the scale of ambition for an immediate return to the Premier League. Yet Nuno's words suggest the club's hierarchy and dugout are aligned on the view that the squad, as currently constituted, still lacks depth in attack.

With the window still open, supporters will be watching closely to see whether the club can conclude further deals before the deadline. According to recent reports, a move for Joel Piroe had been explored, and the situation bears monitoring as the window progresses.

West Ham will be looking to get their first Championship win on the board as soon as possible, and whether they can add more firepower before then could prove decisive to how quickly they find their footing in the second tier.

Frequently asked

How much did West Ham pay for Arne Engels?
According to reports, West Ham United paid £22 million for Arne Engels, understood to be a Championship record transfer fee.
Who has West Ham signed since relegation?
West Ham have made four signings since relegation: Joel Veltman from Brighton, Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur, Keiber Lamadrid on a permanent deal, and Arne Engels from Celtic.
What did Nuno say about West Ham's transfer plans?
Nuno Espirito Santo said West Ham still need more attacking players and that the club are working hard to bring in further signings before the transfer window closes.