According to Tutto Mercato Web, West Ham have opened talks with Napoli over the signing of Tottenham target Piotr Zielinski.
What’s the story?
Well, this would be quite the move for West Ham.
Zielinski – who has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne – is one of the best midfielders in Italy, having shone for Napoli on a regular basis since his arrival in 2016.
Tutto Mercato Web state that West Ham have ‘unleashed’ themselves on the transfer market, as they have also offered Sassuolo €40m (£34m) for Gianluca Scamacca.
Napoli are demanding at least €45m (£38m) for Zielinski, according to the Italian news outlet.
Clearly, the east Londoners are keen to raid Italy’s top-flight of their finest talent.
West Ham’s negotiations with Napoli come after Tottenham enquired about Zielinski a few weeks ago, with Antonio Conte on the lookout for an attacking midfielder.
The Poland international was heavily involved in the final third for Napoli last season, scoring eight goals while also providing five assists.
Interestingly, Zielinski is said to have a huge admirer in Jürgen Klopp, who has tried to bring him to Liverpool on several occasions.
West Ham could nip in ahead of Tottenham
In our view, Zielinski is Tottenham’s backup option as they aim to bring a new No.8 to N17.
Why do we think this? Well, at the moment, Spurs are bidding for Nicolo Zaniolo, and are supposedly ready to pay the £43m sum Roma are demanding.
Tottenham have already made one bid – which included Joe Rodon – and are presumably set to go back in with an improved £43m offer.
Therefore, David Moyes has the chance to sneak in before Conte turns his attention to the Polish maestro, should a move for Zaniolo fail to materialise for the north Londoners.
Whatever happens, Moyes would be pulling off a fantastic signing if he manages to bring Zielinski to the London Stadium.
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