According to a report in the Athletic, Juventus are considering reigniting their interest in Argentinian star Manuel Lanzini. The Italian giants were rumoured to have been interested in the summer but the attacker put pen-to-paper on a new deal at the London Stadium in August putting the talk of a transfer to Turin to bed.
However, it appears the ‘Old Lady’ could be circling around the attacking-midfield player once again. Prior to suffering an ACL injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, Lanzini began to attract the attention of the Serie A champions after a string of impressive displays in the claret and blue of West Ham.
Lanzini – Key but not irreplaceable
The man, born in Ituzaingo, has appeared ten times for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the Premier League this season, registering three assists but is yet to get himself on the score-sheet. On average this season, the 26-year-old manages two key passes per game and completes two dribbles per game with an average performance rating of 6.94/10, according to WhoScored.com.
Statistically, it’s difficult to make a case for Lanzini being irreplaceable. He’s a player with huge potential but unfortunately, injuries have thus far prevented him from reaching it. Although the Argentine is extremely useful in all Pellegrini is trying to achieve at the London Stadium, if a large bid was to come in from overseas, the club would have to consider it.
Lanzini is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt but in order for negotiations with any potential suitors to begin it’s expected the Hammers would demand more than that. Nobody wants to let talent leave their football club, but if the numbers make sense and other areas can be strengthened it will need to be considered carefully.