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West Ham must move for Badelj

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OPINION

Manuel Pellegrini will need to bring in midfield reinforcements this summer as he looks to transform this West Ham side into top-eight contenders in the Premier League.

Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate struggled for much of the season, with Pedro Obiang missing a large chunk through injury, and central midfield will be an area of particular concern for the Chilean.

One player that the Hammers have been linked with is Fiorentina ace Milan Badelj, who is set to enter free agency with his contract set to run out this summer.

Tutto Mercato Web have reported that the club have submitted a big offer to lure the Croatia international to the London Stadium, a bid which was swiftly turned down.

It was said that Badelj was hopeful of reaching an agreement with current club Fiorentina, but that wish now looks to be over as he announced his departure from the club on Tuesday in a major development in the story.

The 29-year-old wrote a long letter to fans in which he said, as quoted by Calciomercato: “Sometimes it’s not easy to take some kind of decision. Fiorentina is my home and I found happiness and stability here. The career of a footballer, however, is not very long and there are challenges that I want to take.”

The Italian outlet claim that fellow Serie A side AC Milan are now the favourites to sign the 6ft 2in midfield enforcer [Transfermarkt], but this kicks the door wide open for West Ham to make another approach.

The reasons given for him rejecting the Hammers’ lucrative offer was that he was looking to remain in Florence, and now that does not look to be an option, there is no reason why the club cannot snap him up in the coming days.

West Ham will be able to offer Badelj a seriously attractive wage packet considering he is a free agent, and the prospect of playing in London under Pellegrini is one that would appeal to most players.

There is no reason therefore why the club should not attempt another swoop, and they must move quickly to do so considering the heavy interest that is set to ensue.

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