OPINION
Football London’s Sam Inkersole gave the low down on West Ham’s reported plans to sign Miguel Almiron and worryingly suggested that his arrival could be connected to the future of Manuel Lanzini.
The trusted journalist may have shared that he didn’t expect the Hammers to swoop in for Atlanta United’s 24-year-old attacking midfielder in January, but did reveal he was a player the club were closely monitoring.
Inkersole then shared that given that Almiron appears to be a similar player to Lanzini, and would come cheap, he was unsure what that meant for the future of the currently crocked Hammers sensation.
“He is a player that West Ham are looking at, that they’re monitoring,” said Inkersole on LoveSport radio’s West Ham Fans Show on Monday, which can be heard in a clip via their social media account.
“He has had an excellent start to his career at Atlanta United, I think they’re in the play-offs this season I can’t remember, but he scored I think it was 18 last season, sorry nine, he scored 18 in 50 games in MLS.
“So in an attacking midfield position, he’s very similar to Manuel Lanzini, it’ll be interesting if West Ham did go for Almiron as they’re expecting Lanzini to return sometime in 2019, he’s targeting maybe February/March time.
“They’re two similar players, two South American players, and he’s not going to be cheap either so what that means for the future of Manuel Lanzini I don’t know.
“But Almiron is certainly a player the Hammers are keeping an eye on and have watched but I don’t think anything will happen in January, I’d be very surprised if anything happens until at least the summer.”
Given that Inkersole is spot-on with his comparison between the two players, then it is worrying that Lanzini could be inadvertently effected by the arrival of Almiron to the London Stadium from the MLS.
Lanzini is a fantastic player whose exit should be deemed unthinkable as he has previously shown what a wonderful asset he is to the club in his 99 outings for them.
While Almiron is a goal machine, he has scored an impressive 12 goals in 34 games this season, the Hammers are better off sticking with Lanzini ahead of him as the Argentinian is Premier League proven.
The Hammers squad doesn’t need both players given their similarities and this must see the London club bin their plans to sign Almiron from Atlanta United, especially if it means putting Lanzini’s future in jeopardy.
Ultima Hora previously reported that Manuel Pellegrini’s side were set to sign the 24-year-old for a fee worth £25.7million, but that plan must be ripped up after Inkersole’s worrying remarks.
