West Ham United move for Piotr Zielinski could raise Manuel Lanzini exit questions
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski and that could see questions over Manuel Lanzini’s future resurface.
According to Sport Italia and Corsport e Mediaset journalist Paolo Bargiggia (via Twitter) on Monday 25 July, the Hammers could close a deal of around £29.7million for the 28-year attacking midfielder.
A move for the Polish international could throw Manuel Lanzini’s London Stadium future into doubt with the 29-year-old previously being linked with a move away from the Hammers earlier in the summer.
According to Turkish news outlet Fanatik (9 July), Besiktas are eying a value move for Lanzini, with the Irons man entering the final year of his current contract.
Importantly, West Ham hold an extension option on Lanzini’s contract and the club must weigh up whether making a big-money signing or keeping the Argentine at the club is the best decision.
Lanzini’s five goals and three assists for the Hammers in the 2021/22 campaign was a good return for a player that filled in a variety of positions during the season.
The 29-year-old is only one year older than Zielinski and it doesn’t quite make sense to move for the Napoli man who is unproven at Premier League level at present.
The club hierarchy should probably focus on adding another striker and left-back to their ranks before adding an attacking midfielder.
The Argentine has been a superb servant for the club and should be given the chance to be a good attacking outlet for the Hammers in the 2022/23 season.
If Zielinski does join the Hammers, Laznini’s future could certainly be thrown into some doubt.