West Ham ready to test Juventus with £35million transfer offer for Italy midfielder as David Moyes eyes shock deal
WEST HAM are reportedly ready to offer £35million to Juventus for Manuel Locatelli.
The Hammers have enjoyed a solid start to the season despite losing their last two matches.
APWest Ham could move for Manuel Locatelli[/caption]
ReutersThe Hammers lost Declan Rice in the summer[/caption]
GettyMidfielders James Ward-Prowse [L] and Edson Alvarez [R]joined West Ham in the summer[/caption]
David Moyes‘ side have proven to still be a capable team despite the loss of Declan Rice in the summer.
The England international completed a £105million transfer away from the club as he joined London rivals Arsenal.
West Ham spent the money wisely as stars such as James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez arrived to bolster the midfield.
However, the club could look to further invest in strengthening the squad with a move for Locatelli.
Italian outlet Tutto Mercato has claimed that the Hammers are willing to offer the Serie A gianst £35m for Locatelli.
The report does suggest that the bid will fail as Juventus are keen to offer the Italian a new contract.
West Ham are not the first Premier League outfit to have been linked with a move for the international ace.
Arsenal have also been touted with an interest in the midfielder in the past.
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It was reported earlier this year that Locatelli rejected a move to the Emirates.
Locatelli’s brother Mattia has explained that the love he has for Juventus was behind his decision to reject a switch to the Gunners.
Speaking to Calcio Mercato, he said: “I still remember the negotiation [with Juventus]. For him it was very long.
“There was also Arsenal, but he wanted Juventus. The clubs kept meeting, but without reaching an agreement.
Where Locatelli could fit into David Moyes’ team
“Every day I looked at the Gazzetta to check. In Sassuolo he trained separately, in him the desire to change. A real emotion.
“On the day of his debut, he sent us a photo with the shirt and the words ‘I made it’.”
Continuing to describe Locatelli’s love for Juve, Mattia added: “He gives everything for Juve. He loves those colours.
“The first days? It didn’t seem real to him. And then I realised there was a reason he was there with them.
“Manuel is very happy to be there.”
However, should West Ham be able to convince him to leave his beloved Juventus, then their midfield could look even stronger.
Locatelli could line-up alongside Ward-Prowse and Alvarez in the middle of the pitch in what would be a trio that could rival many of the top clubs in the Premier League.
