West Ham United ‘move for Giacomo Raspadori’ as Napoli stance emerges
West Ham United have approached Napoli for striker Giacomo Raspadori, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
However, the Italian journalist reported via his website on Monday (27 January) that the Serie A outfit are unwilling to negotiate as things stand.
Raspadori has been on the radar in East London since 2022 [90min], but then-boss David Moyes opted to pursue a move for Gianluca Scamacca instead.
However, the Hammers are prepared to reignite their interest in the final week of the winter transfer window after Graham Potter named a new centre-forward high on the list of priorities at the London Stadium [The Guardian].
West Ham United want to sign Giacomo Raspadori
The Irons’ move for Scamacca went as expected, given their torrid track record with signing strikers, but his form since leaving East London will spark encouragement.
Scamacca has salvaged his career at Atalanta, scoring six goals in the Europa League-winning campaign last term.
West Ham have been linked with every available striker, and with no available option in the squad with Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen out injured, Potter could benefit from two more additions to the front line.
As per talkSPORT (27 January), Brighton forward Evan Ferguson is the first-choice target at the London Stadium, but Raspadori – a Euro 2020 winner with Italy – could also arrive to provide healthy competition.
The Italian international has struggled for minutes in Naples with only 11 Serie A appearances this season, but he has shown his quality on the international stage more than enough times to convince Potter to make the move.
Furthermore, Antonio and Fullkrug are on the wrong side of 30, and acquiring younger options will only benefit the Irons in the long run and help keep the competition for first team places fierce.
However, Ligue 1 giants Marseille are also in the race for his services – the final few days of the transfer window are certainly going to heat up at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the Irons lose another figure “as resignation handed in”.
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