OPINION
West Ham must go all out to win Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina’s signature as the 24-year-old would be a revelation at the London Stadium.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Hammers have to not only pry the sublime Premier League star out of Mark Hughes’ plans, they have to see off league champions Manchester City as well.
Man City apparently view the midfield enforcer as an alternative for Napoli’s Jorginho if they fail in their pursuit of him and the Hammers should take advantage of them only seeing Lemina as a fail safe option.
It would be massive for the Hammers if they were successful in the battle for Lemina as not only would Man City potentially be upset, the player is exactly what Manuel Pellegrini’s side need.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder has the tackling ability to add the steely presence the club’s midfield currently lack while also being an excellent player when the ball is at his feet.
Lemina showcased his ability to skilful dribble the ball forward for his side while playing delightful quick passes to bamboozle his opposition in the 29 appearances, 25 coming in the Premier League, he made in the 2017/18 campaign.
The midfielder is also capable of firing powerful shots from distance which normally seeing the more clumsy goalkeepers in the league struggle to react calmly, which means they end up palming the ball back into the danger zone.
The Hammers’ midfield would radically be upgraded upon his arrival as his energetic presence is something the club desperately lack when you look at their current options for the heart of their team.
With Lemina still being relatively young, the world is at his feet and the Hammers should ensure that they are the Premier League side to benefit from his talents as he will help them climb the table.
