West Ham could be looking for a new playmaker this summer and one they wanted has confirmed he’ll leave Aston Villa.
West Ham were heavily linked with a move for Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo last year.
The talented playmaker was finished at Roma after a fallout with the club’s fans.
West Ham put forward a rather unusual long-term loan offer with an obligation to buy him from Roma according to Corriere dello Sport at the time.
In the end Zaniolo joined Turkish club Galatasaray. But he was on the move just a few months later as West Ham and Aston Villa battled to bring him to the Premier League.
West Ham target joined Villa instead
Aston Villa won that particular race. But Zaniolo has struggled to establish himself in Unai Emery’s high-flying Villans side.
Ironically – or typically in West Ham’s case – Zaniolo scored the equaliser when they drew 1-1 at the London Stadium last time out.
The Hammers may well need a new creative midfielder in the next window as speculation swirls around the future of Lucas Paqueta.
Now the West Ham linked star has confirmed he’ll leave Aston Villa this summer as Zaniolo looks for his next move.
Zaniolo confirms he’s looking for his next move
The 24-year-old is on loan at Villa until the end of the season from Gala. But Villa reportedly have no interest in taking the option to make his move permanent.
Now speaking to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Zaniolo has all but confirmed he is looking for a new club and does not want to return to Galatasaray.
“I’m focused on Aston Villa, then Galatasaray will decide my future,” Zaniolo said.
“I miss Italy, of course… but my agent will inform me in case of concrete proposals.
Anyone will be a downgrade on Paqueta for Hammers
“But now it’s up to the clubs to define my future: the card is owned by Galatasaray.
“In the meantime let me say that I am grateful to [Aston Villa president of football operations] Monchi for still having bet on me after taking me at Roma when I was 19 years old.”
Zaniolo has serious talent and potential. And at 24 he should still have his best years ahead of him.
On the face of it he would be a major downgrade on Paqueta for West Ham. But the Hammers may have to confront that as a reality whoever they sign.
If a deal can be done with Gala at a knockdown price then perhaps Zaniolo is a target West Ham could revisit.