West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini details chances of Irons exit amid River Plate manager talks
Manuel Lanzini has claimed he has spoken to Argentinian giants River Plate and their manager, but that a West ham exit is unlikely.
In an interview on the Argentinian channel TNT Sports Continental, the 28-year-old midfielder opened up on his conversations with 45-year-old River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo and a possible return to the club he began his career with.
As relayed by TNT Sports Argentina, followed by Fabrizio Romano on their verified Twitter profile, Lanzini said: “I have spoken a lot with Gallardo, with the leadership.
“The chance to return was never concrete because it is a difficult situation. I have a contract with West Ham, they will not want to give me away because they made a great investment.
“Obviously I would like Gallardo to lead me. For me Marcelo is a coach who empowers the players. I hope he leads me at some point and to be able to enjoy it.”
Lanzini added: “I’m 28 years old, I have a two-year contract here in West Ham. I don’t want to create false expectations for people, but the desire to return to River is always there.
“I think that on the side of River and mine, there was always a good predisposition, but it goes beyond us.”
Big bid required?
Lanzini signed a new long-term deal in August 2019 [WHUFC website] that takes him up until June 2023, so he still has two years left to run on his existing contract.
Therefore, it would surely take a sizeable bid for the club to think of selling the Argentine playmaker.
It’s been a difficult few seasons for him at the London Stadium, with injuries hampering his progress after a stunning first few campaigns with the club.
Over the last three seasons, he has made just 51 Premier League appearances, scoring twice.
Last season he played 17 times in the top-tier, though his only goal was the dramatic equaliser in the memorable 3-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, there were signs towards the end of the season that pointed to him playing a potentially pivotal role next season.
With Declan Rice and Mark Noble out injured Lanzini stepped in to play alongside Tomas Soucek at the heart of the West Ham midfield at Burnley on May 5, and he produced a stunning performance against the robust Clarets in a 2-1 win.
Unfortunately, he was injured in the very next game against Everton and missed the last three matches of the season.
But he could well be pressed into action as we prepare for our Europa League campaign, particularly if another midfielder is not brought this summer.
In other West Ham news, Declan Rice defended by this Tottenham legend after a bizarre sideswipe from a Liverpool-based newspaper.
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