West Ham United have reportedly made a new midfielder a priority this summer, and the Southampton man would be a good bet.
Manuel Pellegrini has seemingly put signing a new midfielder high on his list of priorities this summer, having been linked with some stellar names, but is Southampton’s Mario Lemina his most realistic target?
The Chilean has expressed his desire to get the Hammers playing attacking and progressive football again next term, and views a quality midfield addition as vital in achieving this.
Initially, the suggestion was made that Pellegrini would attempt to move for two-time Premier League winner Yaya Toure (the Sun), before stories broke claiming his interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore (Sky Sports).
However, talks for both have stalled, with Toure’s preference to join a top-six side and Pastore’s reported wage demands of £190,000-a-week to leave the French capital.
Now, Pellegrini is said to be interested in former Juventus man Lemina, according to Foot Mercato, and the Gabon international seems the sensible bet.
West Ham fans will be becoming increasingly frustrated at being linked with marquee names, before seeing deals fall through without gathering any real traction, and Lemina is the most realistic target thus far.
The player could get on board with the idea of pushing for European football and he would instantly bring the quality Pellegrini is after in central midfield next term.
West Ham may be linked with big players, but it could be some less household names that ultimately take them to the next level.
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