Simone Zaza is already being linked with a return to Italy.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza
According to Italian website Calcio Mercato, West Ham United could send striker Simone Zaza back to Juventus in January, with AC Milan still keen to sign him.
The Hammers spent most of the summer searching for a new striker, and whilst fans had aspirations of signing the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Carlos Bacca or Michy Batshuayi, a big name striker didn’t arrive.
Southampton’s Jose Fonte in action with West Ham United’s Simone Zaza
Manager Slaven Bilic did bring in young forward Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United, but he is one for the future, whilst West Ham also took a punt on Jonathan Calleri, who has impressed in South America with Boca Juniors and Sao Paulo.
Andre Ayew was also snapped up to boost Bilic’s attacking options, but West Ham did land a centre forward shortly before the transfer deadline as Simone Zaza arrived on loan from Juventus, in a deal which will turn permanent once he reaches a certain number of appearances.
Mostly a backup to Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata last season, Zaza was seen as a player who would thrive with first-team ootball at the London Stadium – but so far, his loan has been a nightmare.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza looks dejected
The 25-year-old has yet to score for West Ham, or even look like scoring having turned in a number of anonymous displays, looking cumbersome and off-the-pace in most of his displays so far.
Zaza has only played four games, so has time to turn things around, but reports suggest that he could be heading back to Italy as soon as January.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza looks dejected
Calcio Mercato claim that, if Zaza doesn’t improve his performances, West Ham will have no qualms sending him back to Juventus before a permanent deal is activated, with AC Milan believed to be keen on signing him.
It’s too soon for West Ham to be making such a decision, but the pressure is on Zaza to start turning in performances – or risk losing his position to the likes of Fletcher, Calleri, or the returning Andy Carroll.
Do you think West Ham should send Zaza back to Juventus in January?
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