The Italian international was seemingly wanted in Naples.
Germany’s Shkodran Mustafi and Italy’s Simone Zaza in action
West Ham United’s hunt for a new striker this summer eventually ended with the arrival of Italian international Simone Zaza from Juventus.
But his father and agent has made it clear that West Ham were not the only team keen on signing his son this summer.
Italy’s Simone Zaza and Sweden’s Victor Lindelof shake hands at the end of the match
Speaking to TuttoNapoli Antonio Zaza made it clear that there was also an offer from Napoli for his son’s services. He went on to suggest Zaza would have been on a move to the Partenopei, but Juventus did not want him joining the club:
“There was strong contact with the Partenopei, then we didn’t hear from them and no-one explained why.
“Thank God we were spoiled for choice, and there was the important offer from West Ham, a great project.
“They disappeared.
“From what I know Juve weren’t keen to sell to the Azzurri, but they made an official offer to Juventus.
“I don’t know the figures involved, but I do know that if they’d wanted him they’d have got him, because the player would have made it clear to the senior management in Turin that he wanted to wear the blue shirt.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
“We at least expected an answer, but nothing. Simone never rejected Napoli, I want to make that clear.
“He would have more than willingly worn the blue shirt, no-one should think otherwise.”
Of course Juventus and Napoli are title rivals in Serie A and Juve signed Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli this summer.
The fear of Zaza outperforming their massive summer buy would obviously have been a factor in halting any potential Napoli move for Zaza.
It is however clear that the Italian striker is pleased to have joined West Ham.
West Ham’s Andy Carroll shakes hands with manager Slaven Bilic as he is substituted
The Hammers needed another striker this summer, with their current batch of forwards consistently injury prone.
Enner Valencia departed and was replaced by Jonathan Calleri – but Zaza will now be seen as the leading striker at West Ham, with Andy Carroll once again out injured.
He will hopefully leave Napoli jealous during his time in London.
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