OPINION
It’s pretty clear that West Ham United will be looking to add more firepower this summer. Neither Lucas Perez nor Andy Carroll appear to have much of a future at the club, while uncertainty rages over Marko Arnautovic.
That means that there will likely be a vacancy or two for top class strikers at the London Stadium, and Torino hitman Andrea Belotti is the perfect candidate to take this Hammers team to the next level.
Italian outlet Calcio Mercato reported earlier this week that West Ham’s interest in the player remains high, with the club having made an offer for the Italy international in January.
Needless to say, this is a forward who could bring a lot to Manuel Pellegrini’s team. The 25-year-old powerhouse has been one of Serie A’s hottest strikers for the past few years, while he has showcased his leadership qualities by taking on the mantle of Torino captain this term.
Belotti’s numbers have actually dropped over the past couple of campaigns. He has scored 12 times this time round and hit 13 the previous season, fine totals but somewhat lacking in comparison to 2016/17’s 28 goals in 38 games.
That’s not to suggest that he’s on the downslide, though, and in fact the reduction in his statistics could end up playing into the Hammers’ hands.
Belotti no longer attracts the interest of Europe’s true elite. Previously a transfer target of the likes of Chelsea, Calcio Mercato’s report only names Roma as West Ham’s main competition for the player.
The Italian giants won’t easily be beaten in a transfer battle, but the financial muscle of the Premier League could entice Belotti to make the switch to East London.
If Pellegrini can secure the Italian’s signature he will be providing his team with a top class frontman who could take the Hammers to the next level. Let’s hope he reignites his interest in the Torino star.
