New West Ham signing Pablo Fornals has revealed there were talks held with Italian side Napoli before he chose to move to east London.
The Hammers secured the Spanish maestro’s capture to make him their third arrival of the summer after Manuel Pellegrini bolstered his goalkeeping options with two new arrivals.
However, the Irons had to convince their new man that the London Stadium was the best place for him with Champions League side Napoli, who finished as runners up behind Juventus in Italy’s top flight, having opened talks.
He told Tutto Mercato Web: “Napoli were interested, there were talks, but the Azzurri didn’t decide and I therefore had to think about continuing my career looking for new challenges.”
Opinion
This revelation only makes West Ham’s capture of Fornals look all the more impressive. Could it be that the Hammers’ project under Manuel Pellegrini had him convinced of a move, or was it simply a case of money doing the talking? Only Fornals will truly know why he chose not to wait for Napoli to come in with an offer but it does not matter one bit now. He is a West Ham player and judging by his recent performances it looks as though the Irons faithful could have a new hero to sing about. Making that transition from Spain to the Premier League is a task easier said than done but there is obviously plenty of faith from Pellegrini in the young talent having the ability to be a success in England. However, expectations might have been raised a little with Napoli’s confirmed interest – after all, you do not get chased by Champions League sides without possessing great talent.
