Darren Bent has claimed that other clubs are “100%” looking at West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini.
The Argentine spent most of last season out injured, but has started both of the Hammers’ Premier League matches so far this campaign.
And Sky Sports pundit Bent believes that now he is back, he will be garnering plenty of attention.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He’s had a tough time with injuries but when that guy’s on form, we’ve seen what he can do. In their squad he’s probably easily their most creative player.
“For me, they’ve got to [hand him a new deal]. You write off last season because of injury, but you look at when they guy’s fit and how good he is.
“West Ham obviously realise other clubs are 100% looking at him.”
OPINION
Lanzini is one of those players who could probably make any side he was in just that little bit better, or at the very least, no worse than they currently are. The Argentine is a classy and consistent operator, and it’s easy to envisage him playing for any of the top sides in the country. Last year was a disappointing one for him due to injury, but 2017/18, his last full season, showed all of his qualities. Over the course of 27 Premier League appearances he averaged 1.5 key passes and 2.4 successful dribbles per match, as well as a pass completion rate of 87.6%, as per Whoscored. All in all, he is a wonderful creative player with a talent for making those around him shine too. West Ham will know that they need to do their utmost to make sure he stays put for the long term.
