West Ham United are said to have no interest whatsoever in signing free agent winger Nicolas Gaitan, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source claims that the 16-cap Argentine international is not a transfer target for the east London outfit, despite speculation to the contrary.
The Guardian reported on Thursday that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are one of a clutch of teams in for the 31-year-old, who is available for nothing.
He is set to be a free agent with his contract at Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire set to expire at the end of the year.
OPINION
Claret & Hugh’s report states that the club feel they don’t need another attacking midfielder. However, is that true? Yes, they have plenty of them, but precious few are actually performing at the moment. Pablo Fornals has been next to anonymous since joining, while Manuel Lanzini is now out injured for the next couple of months. Michail Antonio is set to return from injury against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but perhaps Pellegrini will play him as a second striker just off Sebastien Haller, particularly given how isolated the Frenchman has been this season. With that said, then, would a free swoop for Gaitan really be the worst thing? The player’s statistics from this MLS season would suggest not. As per WhoScored.com, the former Atletico Madrid man has scored four times and managed a stupendous 11 assists in 27 games. Furthermore, he is averaging 1.3 shots, 2.5 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game. Yes, it’s a lesser level, but it seems as if he’s still got something in his locker. It’s a no-risk move, so why not?
