Albert Botines has told Radio Marte that Udinese agree next season will be a big year for Gerard Deulofeu and that he cannot rule out any transfer, with West Ham United keen.
The Spaniard is enjoying a great revival in Serie A after leaving Watford for the Dacia Arena for €17m (£14m). I Bianconeri targeted his permanent presence in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region halfway through a season-long in January 2021 and agreed on a contract to 2024.
Botines notes Deulofeu could have joined Napoli instead of Udinese, as sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is a long-term fan. But he chose life in Italy’s north-easternmost region and has gone on to score 11 goals and created four over 41 games across all competitions.
Nine of his strikes and two assists have come during the current Serie A campaign to draw interest from England. Calciomercato report West Ham have contacted Udinese to discuss Deulofeu’s situation, and that the Dacia Arena hierarchy now expect a formal transfer bid.
The Irons will face a €20m (£16.5m) valuation if David Moyes returns to the Friulian outfit this summer, though. While Mundo Deportivo report West Ham have explored Deulofeu’s availability to leave Udinese as the London Stadium side eye successors for Jarrod Bowen.
Agent claims ‘no possibilities to exclude’ as West Ham eye Udinese ace Deulofeu
Deulofeu can offer West Ham a similar versatile threat to Bowen with a summer transfer from Udinese. The 28-year-old has struck home seven of his nine Serie A goals so far this season from a central position. He has also scored and assisted while situated on the wing.
But while Botines cannot rule out a transfer for his client, the agent also believes Napoli is an ideal fit. So, West Ham may have to rival one of Deulofeu’s long-term fans for a move.
“He still has a two-year contract with Udinese,” Botines said, via quotes by Corriere dello Sport. “There is a great relationship with the Pozzo family but we all agree that next year for Deulofeu could be the one for an important leap. There are no possibilities to exclude.
“Napoli would be a big step forward for Gerard’s career, a top option. In the past, there was the chance to wear the Napoli shirt. Not only when [Maurizio] Sarri was there, but also in the summer of 2020. However, it came after an injury and it was not the right time.
“But today, he is the best Deulofeu ever, both for tactical work and for human maturation. I repeat: Naples would be a great option for us.”
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