The recent resurgence of Manuel Lanzini means West Ham United could decide against signing a central midfielder in the summer transfer window, as reported by The Standard.
Declan Rice’s injury issues, coupled with Mark Noble’s upcoming retirement, meant the Hammers looked certain to reinforce David Moyes’ engine room in the off-season.
Nemanja Matic, Mario Lemina and Ross Barkley have all been linked with a move to the London Stadium in the past few weeks.
But has the sudden re-emergence of one of West Ham’s forgotten men changed the club’s transfer plans – saving Davids Gold and Sullivan a pretty penny in the process?
Lanzini, a number ten by trade, has been a revelation in a new-look deep-lying midfield role.
He was arguably man of the match during the 3-1 victory over Burnley and impressed against Everton on Sunday too, albeit before being subbed off just before the break with a hamstring problem.
And the Standard suggests, if Lanzini avoids a long-term lay-off, West Ham may opt against bringing in a midfielder after all.
“I thought Lanzini was very good. I don’t know if he gave the ball away tonight,” Moyes told Football London after the Burnley win.
Whether Lanzini can kick on and excel in a new, more defensively minded role on a long-term basis, however, remains to be seen.
The Argentina international has had his fair share of false dawns in claret and blue – so West Ham supporters can be forgiven for reserving judgement for now.
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