George Overhill

Fri 15 July 2022 13:40, UK

West Ham could soon be left as the only club standing in the pursuit for Gianluca Scamacca, according to Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth.

The Hammers’ were already leading Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the Italian from Sassuolo but now the French giants appear to be near to signing an alternative in Hugo Ekitike.

Despite getting closer to securing Scamacca the club are also still in the hunt for Chelsea’s Armando Broja and the prospect of deals for both is due to hand manager David Moyes a decision to make.

Sheth wrote on Twitter on Friday afternoon (15 July): “West Ham bid of €40m + add-ons for Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca under consideration.

“PSG bid €35m + add-ons – but are now close to signing Hugo Ekitike.

“Broja still a WHU target. If deals get agreed with both, final decision rests with David Moyes.”

Boost

It looks like the Irons may have knocked the French champions out of the running for the Sassuolo striker, and if the competition for his signature falls away there is less cause for the sellers to stall on a deal.

It is not yet a done deal but this development would certainly put the club in a much stronger position to complete negotiations.

A striker arriving this summer would make a major difference to the complexion of a squad that has lacked support for Michail Antonio for so long.

It seems like the prospects of a deal for the Serie A forward are stronger than corresponding ones for Chelsea’s Albanian youngster, but it appears West Ham aren’t taking chances here.

Like the proverbial London buses it would be typical for the club to go 18-months without a single striker being signed and then two to come along at once.

The manager would have some decision to make if he has to choose between the pair, and it surely can’t be ruled out that he might take the opportunity to go for both.

Such a scenario is still some way away but the news on the Scamacca front is certainly looking encouraging.