The 24-year-old is arguably West Ham United’s biggest asset in both senses of the word.

Pablo Zabaleta has told West Ham United’s official website that Manuel Lanzini is the future of the club.
The Argentine midfielder is arguably West Ham’s biggest asset both in terms of value and contribution to Slaven Bilic’s side.
Speculation mounted during the summer that Liverpool were set to take an interest in him if the Reds lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

But speaking to West Ham’s website, Zabaleta feels as if his 24-year-old compatriot has the ability to become one of the Irons’ greatest ever players.
“To have Manu Lanzini in our team now is also great. He is the future of West Ham, of course, and is going to be one of the greatest players for this Club,” he said.
“I’m very pleased to be part of West Ham history as it is a Club with great tradition in English football. I’m really enjoying myself.”

It is a bold call by Zabaleta; not in the sense that he hasn’t got the ability, because he does, but in this day and age it takes a vivid imagination to imagine him being at West Ham long enough to become one of their all-time legend.
Bilic’s side are 15th in the Premier League table at the moment and they would need to be challenging for the top four every single season to have a chance of keeping him in the long term.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
