OPINION
West Ham have surely been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Juventus attacker Mario Mandzukic.
Tutto Juve previously reported that the Hammers were plotting a January move for the veteran forward, with the Italian giants hoping to get £8.8million for his services.
The Daily Star also previously claimed that Mandzukic was on Manuel Pellegrini’s radar ahead of the winter window, but that the Hammers were more likely to sign him on loan due to concerns about his age.
While that report implied that the Hammers’ chances of getting Mandzukic may be slim when you consider Tutto Juve’s report clearly suggested Juventus wanted rid of the forward permanently, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici revealed the Italian club are open to the forward finding a club as soon as he wants and stated that the club were open to any scenario regarding his exit.
“We are talking to Mandzukic to find the best possible solution,” said Paratici in an interview with Sky Sports Italy.
“We remain open to any scenario, so staying here or going elsewhere. We are discussing it to find the best solution for both parties.”
So if the European club are open to any scenario, surely that means they may be inclined to letting Mandzukic joined the Hammers on a temporary basis as it will likely mean his wages are off the books.
This is the ideal situation for West Ham as they won’t have to worry about him being 33-years-old, as they don’t have to be concerned about whether he is a long-term investment, and because he will be the ideal back-up option for Sebastien Haller.
Mandzuckic has proven he’s a formidable force in front of goal at some of the best clubs in Europe so why wouldn’t he excel at the London Stadium?
The veteran has scored 44 goals in 162 outings for Juventus, 53 goals in 112 outings for Dinamo Zagreb, 48 goals in 88 outings for Bayern Munich and did rack up 20 goals in 43 outings for Atletico Madrid.
Also, it’s not like his glory days shouldn’t be considered behind him as while he hasn’t featured this season, he did impress in the 2018/19 season.
The 33-year-old averaged 1.2 shots per game, won three man of the match awards, registered six assists and scored nine goals in the 25 league appearances he made for Juventus last season. (Source: WhoScored)
So with that in mind, Juventus’ stance on Mandzukic should be treated as a boost to the Hammers’ pursuit of him and they should make the most of it.