The AC Milan striker would be a useful addition to the West Ham United squad this summer.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is desperate to add more firepower to his attacking options this summer, as he looks to build a squad capable of making a sustained challenge for the Europa League spots this season.
His search for a top-class marksman has so far proved to be fruitless, however, having had £20 million-plus bids for both Anthony Modeste and Cedric Bakambu rejected already this summer, according to the Telegraph.
West Ham fans must be sensing a serious case of Deja Vu, after last summer’s struggles in the transfer market, and Bilic needs to move fast to avoid a repeat of 2016’s shenanigans.
With this in mind, the Croatian should consider a move for AC Milan hitman Gianluca Lapadula, who has been drawing interest from Serie A side Genoa, according to Sky Italia.
AC Milan’s Gianluca Lapadula in action
The 27-year-old Italian enjoyed a successful campaign with the Rossoneri last term, despite not being a regular starter for the Serie A giants, scoring eight goals and chipping in with three assists.
Despite standing at only 5ft 10in tall, the Milan forward excels when playing with his back to goal, and is accomplished at holding up the ball, providing a fantastic outlet for his defenders, if and when they are under pressure.
Lapadula also possesses superb technical ability, and would add a certain level of nouse and guile to the Hammers’ attacking play.
There would surely be plenty of West Ham fans against the idea of their club signing another unproven Italian, after the disastrous acquisition of Simone Zaza last summer.
The Milan forward possesses all of the attributes required to be a success in England, however, unlike the former Juventus star, and the east Londoners could make it second time lucky in bringing players from Serie A to the Premier League, if they take the plunge and make a concrete move for Lapadula.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
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