West Ham are “very close” to signing 23-year-old attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals, according to ESPN editor David Cartlidge.
He made the claim on his personal Twitter page where he also heaped praise on the Villarreal player.
Cartlidge said that the fee would be £24million (€27million), just short of the release clause and went on to say that it “could well turn out to be one of the better deals this summer”.
West Ham very close to signing Pablo Fornals now, fee would be around €27m (clause is €30m). A good price for a very talented player. Could well turn out to be one of the better deals this summer.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) June 12, 2019
In an extended thread on Fornals he said that the young Spanish player would “add a lot to the West Ham midfield” saying he had a “particularly good passing range and vision when it comes to moving his team into attacking area.”
He also said he was a “Skilful, sharp, intelligent player” who will suit Pellegrini’s style.
Fornals will add a lot to that West Ham midfield. Particularity good passing range and vision when it comes to moving his team into attacking areas. Skilful, sharp, intelligent player and suits Pellegrini's style.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) June 12, 2019
Hopefully a role through the middle for Fornals. At Villarreal when situated out wide it killed his game quite considerably. Needs to be involved, on the ball and running play. Also an adept dribbler. Needed a move as he downed tools when January move didn't transpire.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) June 12, 2019
Only concern would be with physicality. He's very slight and can be pushed around. That sharpness mentioned and skill/dribbling ability can remove Fornals from pressure though. Must be allowed considerable adaptation period. His ability is worth waiting for though.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) June 12, 2019
OPINION
Fornals is an exciting potential signing but there is a gamble in there. The one worry is that Cartlidge talks about him being a “slight” player who could get “pushed around”. That would have to be an extra concern in the Premier League, which is much more physical than La Liga. There have been slight players that have gone on to succeed in the Premier League but plenty of others have found it impossible to play their natural game. However, Fornals has the skills that can extract him from these situations and West Ham fans should be thrilled at the prospect of him joining up at the London Stadium. Fornals certainly has the stamina for the Premier League. He played 50 games for Villarreal last season, where he scored five goals and added six assists. Fornals will be hoping that he can thrive on the big stage in east London and push for a place in the full Spain team, after playing 12 times for the Under-21s.