West Ham informed Claret & Hugh yesterday that the club is actively looking to inject more pace into the Hammers’ pedestrian midfield.
During a conversation about recalling loanee James Ward-Prowse, a top London Stadium source revealed the club would prefer to bring in “fresh faces,” with midfield speed a clear priority.
Tim Steidten is reportedly providing the West Ham board with a list of potential candidates. One name that keeps cropping up is Nicolò Fagioli. While the Italian midfielder is technically excellent and not considered slow, he wouldn’t exactly be described as fast.
However, before dismissing the transfer rumour, it’s worth noting that Julen Lopetegui is believed to want another playmaker, and Fagioli fits that mould perfectly. Additionally, Fagioli is thought to be surplus to requirements at Juventus, who value him at around £16m.
Intriguingly, Juventus are also understood to be keen on Hammers left-back Emerson. The Italian international, who has been in underwhelming form recently, is reportedly interested in a move back to Serie A as a pathway to re-establishing himself in the national team.
A situation could develop where Juventus and West Ham consider a player exchange. However, a senior Hammers source cautioned Claret & Hugh, saying, “Swap deals are very hard and complicated to do.”
Even if West Ham manage to sign the promising Fagioli, it’s unlikely to address the team’s glaring lack of pace in midfield
