West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Lazio forward Felipe Anderson but the deal could be scuppered by the player’s personal demands, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claim on their website that the Hammers are edging closer to agreeing a fee, payment schedule and various clauses with the Serie A giants after resurrecting Anderson negotiations.
Sky Sports report all parties want the transfer, which would smash the club’s transfer record, to be finalised but it could collapse due to Anderson’s personal terms.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes. Anderson would provide craft, cutting edge and the kind of attacking cleverness that will be sorely absent following the loss of Manuel Lanzini for most of next season. Capped by Brazil, the wide forward operates predominantly on the right flank and is both goal creator and goalscorer. He missed half of last season due to injury but still scored eight goals and supplied 10 assists from 32 appearances in all competitions. His Lazio record is a very good one and it is heartening for Hammers that he has such a fine body of work in Serie A, one of Europe’s most demanding leagues.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
It is more likely to happen than not, but few Irons will be rushing to the bookies to throw money on the possibility given the on-off nature of this saga over the summer window. It will be a concern among West Ham fans that the club are ready to pull the plug on the deal if Anderson’s wage demands spiral out of control.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10