West Ham may be set for disappointment in their quest to bolster their defensive ranks, as it seems they’re set to miss out to a Premier League rival in the chase for one target.
According to reports from Portuguese outlet Jornal do Noticias, cited by TalkSport, Arsenal lead West Ham and Juventus in the hunt for Sporting Lisbon full-back Cristiano Piccini.
The 25-year-old moved to Portugal last summer from Real Betis, costing just £2.6m, and it’s stated that the club will earn a significant profit on a sale at the end of the season- with the Gunners preparing to offer £17.6m to get a deal over the line.
Juventus, along with Barcelona, have been previously attributed with an interest in the former Italy U21 international but Arsenal currently lead the charge, in news that will also be a blow for West Ham boss David Moyes.
The Hammers have struggled for consistency in defence this season and options out wide are limited, particularly with uncertainty over the long-term suitability of veterans Pablo Zabaleta and Patrice Evra.
