West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has made the key decision not to entertain any offers for midfielder Pedro Obiang after being left impressed with his attitude behind the scenes, according to Claret and Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source, who have proven to have close links inside the club, state that the Chilean manager has held talks with the 26-year-old and informed him he is set to play a key role in the first team, after a summer of much speculation over his future.
It is stated that the performances on both the training ground and in competitive outings have convinced the boss to keep him despite interest said to be building over a transfer swoop.
Opinion
Obiang looked like one of a number of players set for the exit door over the summer, with a move back to Italy touted, but he remained at the London Stadium and Pellegrini will be glad he kept the former Sampdoria man on. After missing out on the first three Premier League games, watching on from the substitutes’ bench, and playing a minor role in the fourth in their defeat against Arsenal, his return to the starting XI coincided with an upturn in performance and result, beating Everton 3-1, the midfield heralded for their display. While Obiang did not win this game all by himself, his place in the team certainly helped their cause and had the Toffees chasing shadows. With Jack Wilshere out for a while with injury, Obiang’s place in the starting XI seems secure for now, and it seems his place in the first team, once in doubt, is a sure thing as well.