West Ham United want Francesco Acerbi and have made contact with Lazio over a potential deal for the veteran central defender.
The Hammers have confirmed a new signing today with Thilo Kehrer arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in what looks like a bargain deal at £10million up front.
The German international will provide great versatility across the back four for West Ham, which is just what David Moyes wanted.
It seems unlikely that West Ham will move for another central defender even after selling Issa Diop, but a link has emerged in Italy.
West Ham United want Francesco Acerbi
Lazio-based website La Lazio Siamo Noi report that West Ham fancy signing Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi.
It’s stated that West Ham made contact over a deal for Acerbi in the last few days as they attempt to bring him to East London.
Acerbi is not in Maurizio Sarri’s plans at Lazio and now fancies a new challenge, but has already snubbed both Monza and Torino.
Inter Milan are Acerbi’s preferred move but West Ham are understood to be interested.
Acerbi’s stance is that he would prefer to stay in Italy and actually has concerns about playing in the Premier League.
Acerbi is 34 now and turns 35 in early 2023, meaning he fears he may not be suitable for English football at this stage in his career.
The 6ft 4in centre back has been something of a nomad in Italian football but has really excelled with Sassuolo and now Lazio.
Formerly of AC Milan, Acerbi remains an Italian international and won Euro 2020 last summer.
It’s a surprise to see West Ham going for a player so far into his 30’s, especially as Angelo Ogbonna is still at the club.
Acerbi is though a naturally left-footed centre back and David Moyes may have viewed him as cover and competition for Nayef Aguerd there.
It looks like Acerbi prefers Inter though, and with Kehrer now on board, we can’t see Acerbi making the move to West Ham this summer.
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