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Why West Ham’s attempt to scare off rivals could have the opposite effect

West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini celebrates scoring their first goal (REUTERS)
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West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini has really impressed this term.

West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini shoots at goalWest Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini in action

News broke yesterday regarding the Hammers’ stance on Manuel Lanzini, with the Mirror reporting that they will demand at least £30 million for the Argentine this summer, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal all reportedly interested in signing the diminutive playmaker.

The gist of the article form the Mirror was that this supposed £30 million asking price has been slapped on the 24-year-old in an effort to warn off any potential suitors, but in reality, it should only serve as an incentive for the clubs mentioned above to make their move.

To describe today’s transfer market as inflated would be an understatement, and the price quoted as the amount needed to prise Lanzini away from the London Stadium seems totally reasonable, especially when it is considered how many years left he has before he reaches his peak.

The Argentine has proven this year just how good a player he is, showcasing his incredible talent on a consistent basis, and he would be the ideal addition for a team like Spurs or Arsenal who have lacked that cutting edge in the final third on occasions this season.

He is a wonderfully intelligent footballer, and the mature manner in which he conducts his business defies his tender years.

Tottenham's Hugo Lloris in action with West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini in action

When it is considered that Granit Xhaka was signed for £35 million and Georginio Wijnaldum for £25 million, Lanzini for £30 million sounds like an extremely reasonable piece of business.

First and foremost, the East London outfit should be looking to keep hold of the gifted midfielder for as long as possible, but if that proves to be impossible, they should be demanding a lot more than the £30 million that is being quoted.

He is still under contract with the Hammers until the summer of 2020, so they do still hold all the cards, and should under no circumstance allow Lanzini to leave the club for less than he is worth, especially in the current climate of the transfer market.

West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini celebrates scoring their first goalWest Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini celebrates