West Ham United have been busy in the summer transfer window but could Cristiano Ronaldo’s mega switch to Juventus be key to their next move?
West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold look set to finally make good on promises to take their transfer business to the next level.
Sullivan and Gold pledged the move to Stratford would enable the Hammers to move to the ‘next level’ and help West Ham afford and attract marquee signings.
It seems the penny has finally dropped with the East Londoners pulling off some superb business already this summer.
West Ham have already signed Ryan Fredericks and Jack Wilshere on free transfers and have spent a reported £30 million on goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski and highly-rated French defender Issa Diop.
The Evening Standard claims the club are also set to sign Paraguayan defender Fabien Balbuena and Andriy Yarmolenko for a combined £25 million while a deal for Lazio star Felipe Anderson is also close to being struck at £40 million, as reported by the BBC.
West Ham have also bid £25 million for Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles, as reported by Sky Sports, and have been linked with Jean Michael Seri (Sky Sports) too.
And they are being heavily linked with a move for hardworking Juventus defensive midfielder Stefano Sturaro.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, West Ham have been in Italy this week in a bid to progress deals for Anderson and Italy international Sturaro.
Sturaro, 25, was regarded as one of the most promising footballers in the world in his position as a youngster due to his work-rate, stamina, composure, tenacity, strength of character and ability to read the game.
Likened to Gennaro Gattuso, Sturaro would be a coup for West Ham and the perfect foil for the attacking stars they are vying to add to their ranks.
And could it be that Cristiano Ronaldo’s mega £105 million move from Real Madrid to Juventus helps Sturaro’s move along the way.
As evidenced by the situations facing Paris Saint Germain and AC Milan, UEFA are serious about clubs complying with Financial Fair Play regulations.
And after splashing the cash, Juventus will be keen to bring some money in, particularly if they plan to make further additions to their squad in pursuit of continued Serie A dominance and Champions League glory.
So Juve will be keen to bring in money for squad players who are surplus to requirements and Sturaro certainly fits into that category.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
