Napoli skipper Lorenzo Insigne in action. (Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post), West Ham United are looking into the possibility of sealing a move for Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne. The 30-year-old winger is a huge reason for the club being at the top of the league table currently.
The Italian international honed his talent at the Napoli academy, before making it to their senior setup in 2012. Since then, he has been a pivotal part of the teams that have challenged for the Serie A title. He is yet to win the Scudetto with his boyhood club but given their trajectory this season, they stand a great chance to win it.
But could he now leave his home country? And would this be a good signing for West Ham United?
Since being promoted to the first team, the high flying forward has racked up 114 goals and 91 assists in 414 appearances. His performances for his nation in the summer helped them win the European Championship, as he scored in the knockout games. A constant threat this season, he has already contributed to 11 goals in just 14 appearances this season.
Thus, despite turning 30 this year, Insigne is showing no signs of slowing down. West Ham could flourish with a winger like the Italian. The Hammers are keen to sign him and given their attacking options, their interest makes sense. Andriy Yarmolenko and Said Benrahma are the only two out-and-out options on the wings for David Moyes.
Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini are flourishing when playing behind the striker. Jarrod Bowen accompanies the forward or occasionally shifts out on the right-wing. Thus, there is a dearth of talent on the left side. This is where the Italian could slot in, given his years of experience in that role.
Moreover, they shall also have an experienced head in the attack. Most of the forward line do not have the experience of playing against the very best teams outside of England, and the Italian can change that.
The Hammers have been competing for a UCL spot in the last two seasons, including the current one. If they hope to achieve that dream one day, they would need more players like the Napoli star. For now, his signing could send out a statement that the East London outfit means business.
The 2020 Euro winner has been a great servant to Napoli, but they could bid him goodbye next summer after failing to reach an agreement with him over a new contract. This shall make him a free agent, and West Ham can pounce on this opportunity. Newcastle are also interested in him and has the finances to lure him to St. James’ Park.
However, if the London club manages to secure a Top 4 spot, they can offer Champions League football to their new signings. Insigne has played in Europe’s premier competition for the better part of the last decade, and it remains to be seen if that would be a factor going into this potential deal.
Moyes and co have worked really hard in recent seasons for the club to be where it is. It is time to build on it, and while Insigne might not have a long-term future at the club, he could be the push they need to compete amongst the big boys in the coming years. Moreover, on a free transfer, signing a player of his quality is a no-brainer.
Regardless, only time will tell whether the Italian international could be convinced to make the switch to England next summer.
