Reported Tim Steidten target Raoul Bellanova has made a seriously exciting claim after being linked with a move to West Ham.
Any doubts that West Ham sorely need a new right-back have been well and truly put to bed this season.
The Hammers have seen just what is needed from a modern full-back in games against top opposition including Bayer Leverkusen.
Vladimir Coufal has been one of West Ham’s most consistent players this term.
And he has chipped in with an excellent number of assists too.
The Czech warrior has been a superb signing for the Hammers at less than £5m from Slavia Prague back in 2020.
Time waits for no man, though. And Coufal isn’t getting any younger, turning 32 at the start of next season.
He is also said to be unhappy with his contract situation after West Ham took up a one-year option on his deal to keep him on the same wages.
Beyond Coufal, Ben Johnson is the club’s only back-up. He has been poor for the most part besides some decent substitute appearances of late.
Right-back is major West Ham priority this summer
Johnson is refusing to sign a new contract and looks set to leave on a free in the summer. But he showed why he doesn’t play with his pitiful defending which saw him fail to do his only job when he came on at Leverkusen – closing down the cross as the Germans scored that killer second goal.
Ask any West Ham fan where the club needs to strengthen most this summer and right-back won’t be far from the top of the list.
Thankfully they have a superb technical director in place who can address the glaring issue.
Tim Steidten has been linked with fantastic Italian right-back Raoul Bellanova, as reported by TMW last month. Unfortunately for the Hammers so have several other clubs.
TMW claimed Bellanova is high on Steidten’s list of targets for the right-back position. He is also allegedly wanted by the likes of Aston Villa and Man United.
He is currently a teammate of former Hammer Nikola Vlasic at Torino.
The Serie A side bought the 23-year-old last summer for just €7 million (£5m), but his valuation has already tripled off the back of a superb campaign.
Now Steidten target Bellanova has made a seriously exciting claim after being linked with West Ham.
‘I’m like Kyle Walker’ says Steidten target
Speaking to DAZN, as reported by TMW Bellanova has compared himself to one of – if not the – best right-backs in Premier League history – Kyle Walker.
“I was an Inter fan growing up and always used to watch Maicon, though we are not very similar in our characteristics,” Bellanova said.
“As the years went on, I started to take inspiration from Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker.
“I can see myself in him, we have the same sort of physical and technical qualities.”
Wow. What a claim.
Champagne Bellanova if Hammers get their man
If the 24-year-old former Inter Milan youngster has similar attributes to Walker then West Ham must do everything they can to make this deal happen in the summer.
Bellanova is rapid so it’s easy to see the comparison.
He is also an excellent dribbler of the ball and crosser and does not dive into tackles.
Bellanova is athletic, a powerful runner and very much a modern right-back.
Let’s hope Steidten can work his magic when the window opens.
There will be competition. But West Ham have the London factor and the chance for the Italian to be the club’s first choice right-back for years to come.