The one Serie A club seemingly interested in bringing West Ham United misfit Niclas Fullkrug back to Italy reached a breakthrough in their pursuit of a new number nine this week.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, Niclas Fullkrug is not the number nine in question.
Deep-pocketed, newly-promoted Venezia were linked with the former AC Milan loanee at the beginning of the window. As you might expect though from a club with deep pockets and sizeable ambitions, a 33-year-old targetman who scored only one goal in 29 games last season was not the first-choice.
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Venezia are going all-in on Akor Adams, instead.
And with a deal for the Nigeria international imminent, this is not only bad news for West Ham United’s hopes of getting Fullkrug off the wage bill, but also for their hopes of luring Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas to East London.
One Crysencio Summerville replacement down, perhaps?
West Ham United identified Ruben Vargas as potential Crysencio Summerville replacement
Adams could be seen visiting the Venezia training ground after jetting in on Tuesday. Having saved Sevilla’s skin with ten goals in 33 La Liga games last season, Adams is set to become Venezia’s new record signing to the tune of a £20 million package.
“First of all, I can confirm [Adams is set to sign]. He’s an important player,” beams head coach Giovanni Stroppa. “He will give us a big boost.
“I’m very satisfied with the club’s work.”
It is not every day you will see a club celebrating the departure of their top scorer. Yet, given Sevilla’s desperate financial situation, selling Adams was very much a ‘necessary evil’.
Just last week, sporting director Jose Ignacio Navarro confirmed that Sevilla had to raise funds by selling key players. Their best, and most reliable, strategy of keeping the proverbial wolf from the door, let alone the bailiffs.
And with Andalusian-based publication Orgullobiri claiming that West Ham are keen to liberate Ruben Vargas from the crisis-hit corridors of the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla would not have stood in their way of a potential £12 million swoop.
Cashing in on Akor Adams for an initial £13.5 million – rising to nearly £20 million with bonuses – does not mean all is suddenly sunny in Andalusia. It does, though, bring an end to Venezia’s interest in Fullkrug while also ensuring that Sevilla can sleep a little easier.
“Akor Adams’ departure will help Sevilla avoid having to sell Ruben Vargas for a pittance and strengthens their position in the transfer market,” write Diario de Sevilla.
“The Swiss winger, after his impressive performance at the World Cup, is one of the squad’s key assets.”
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Diario de Sevilla do say that Vargas could still be sold after showing off his quick feet and quick wit on the world stage. In addition to West Ham, the former Augsburg forward is reportedly a target for Brighton, Trabzonspor, Villarreal and an Aston Villa outfit who are about to bid farewell to their hopes of bringing Crysencio Summerville back to the Premier League.
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Speaking of the much-coveted Dutchman, it emerged on Tuesday that Al Hilal have won the race for Summerville; going over and above his £50 million release clause by a staggering £20 million.
West Ham will need a new left winger, then. And because they are set to bank around £155 million via the sales of Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, money is not in short supply at the London Stadium. Ruben Vargas could yet be a name we see a lot more of between now and the start of September.
But like when Daniel Kretinsky adopted a hardline stance regarding the futures of Fernandes and Summerville, the injection of money into Sevilla’s coffers makes a cheap deal for Ruben Vargas unlikely.
As for Fullkrug, well, a goal against Stevenage on Wednesday night at Broadhall Way would be a step in the right direction…
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