West Ham United is on the lookout for a new striker before allowing Gianluca Scamacca to proceed with his loan move to Roma. Scamacca, who has agreed to terms with Roma, now awaits West Ham’s acquisition of a suitable replacement. The club is open to the possibility of releasing Scamacca on an initial loan with an option to buy, providing him with an opportunity to revive his career after a challenging first year at London Stadium.
Scamacca’s time at West Ham was marred by injury, which prematurely ended his season. In a recent podcast, teammate Michail Antonio suggested that Scamacca lacked the tenacity required to thrive under manager David Moyes.
As West Ham considers Scamacca’s future, Moyes also has his sights set on bolstering the midfield before considering the proposed move of captain Declan Rice to Arsenal. Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez are leading targets, with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse also under consideration.
West Ham Replacement for Scamacca
If Scamacca departs, West Ham will need to secure a suitable replacement. While Danny Ings and Michail Antonio are already part of the squad, both players have struggled with injuries. One potential option for the East London side is Spezia’s Angolan striker, M’Bala Nzola. Nzola’s impressive form in Italy, with 14 goals and three assists in 25 games, has caught West Ham’s attention. His contract with Spezia expires in June 2024, and the club is working hard to extend his stay.
Financial Advantage and Agent Relations
West Ham’s reported bid of around €20m (£17.5m) for Nzola could be enough to convince Spezia to part ways with their star striker. This sum places a reasonable but not overwhelming burden on the 26-year-old’s shoulders, allowing him to play with greater freedom than Scamacca. The Hammers also benefit from their existing strong relationship with Nzola’s agent, who represents current West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna. This connection should aid in completing the transfer.
Nzola possesses the necessary attributes to shine in the Premier League. However, any potential move for Nzola may hinge on Scamacca’s departure.
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