West Ham United have been dealt a bitter summer transfer window blow by Arsenal it seems.
Julen Lopetegui faces an incredibly important summer transfer window ahead, with numerous new signings needed at West Ham, but Arsenal seem set to cause him a big inconvenience.
The Hammers boss apparently wants six new signings at the very least this summer, and has already made two new additions to his ranks.
Lopetegui is said to be prioritising the additions of a new striker and a central defender, and he has around £90 million to play with.
It will not be easy to rebuild his squad with that kind of budget, but with a few player sales, West Ham should be a real factor in the market this summer.
One player in particular has been heavily linked with a move to the London Stadium, and he would be a sensational addition for us.
However, it’s not looking good for us after the latest update this afternoon…
Arsenal try to hijack £34m deal for Euro 2024 star West Ham want
Signing a top-class centre-back will be the main priority for Lopetegui this summer, perhaps alongside the addition of a proven centre-forward.
There is one man out there we’re being linked with very closely indeed, but it seems like we may have to move on to other targets already.
According to a report from Tuttosport, Arsenal are now trying to bring Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates this summer.
Bad news indeed for the Hammers, with Lopetegui keen to sign the Italian defender.
Calafiori spoke back in 2022 about his admiration for West Ham United, and suggested that a move to the Premier League was his dream.
Not only is he a superb defender, but he’s clearly a big fan of the Hammers as well, and is available at a ridiculously good price this summer – just £34 million by all accounts (Calcio Mercato).
Calafiori has been sensational for Italy out in Germany during their Euro 2024 campaign, and he possesses all of the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.
His performances for Italy at the Euros have been described as ‘stunning’ and ‘spectacular’ by Yahoo Sports.
He’s one of the very best man markers around, and sticks to opposing attackers like glue. The 22-year-old is a tenacious tackler, is strong in the air and possesses very impressive pace.
Spending £34 million on the Bologna centre-back will end up looking like one of the very best deals of the summer, I have no doubts about that.
However, it seems like Arsenal may well beat West Ham to Riccardo Calafiori’s signature in the summer transfer window. And that will be a massive blow for the Hammers as far as I’m concerned.
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