West Ham United could be set to deal Newcastle United a big blow in the summer transfer window.
Julen Lopetegui has been on a mission to strengthen his West Ham squad this summer, and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may well now feel the force of the Spaniard’s ambition.
The Hammers head coach has already brought Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham and Max Kilman to the London Stadium, and is now believed to be eyeing up a move for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Lopetegui will be well aware of the size of the task he faces at West Ham, after David Moyes left behind an extremely unbalanced and ageing squad.
The Spaniard needs to drastically improve pretty much every position at the club, aside from the right-wing department.
Central defence is still an area that requires some attention, in spite of the recent signing of Kilman from Wolves.
Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd simply aren’t good enough any more, and Lopetegui needs to bring in another top-class defender.
It seems like that’s exactly what he’s planning to do this summer, and it could be to Newcastle’s detriment…
Newcastle blow as West Ham move to sign colossal Federico Gatti
According to Tuttosport, West Ham have thrown their hat in the ring in the race for Juventus Federico Gatti, alongside Newcastle.
Whilst the Magpies may be significantly more wealthy than the Hammers, our interest in signing the Italian will be somewhat of an inconvenience for the Tyneside outfit.
West Ham were actually linked with a move to sign the 26-year-old centre-back in the summer of 2023, but he remained with the Turin giants in the end.
I think the Juventus star would be a fabulous addition to Lopetegui’s ranks at the London Stadium, and if we manage to beat Newcastle to his signature, it will be a really big statement from us.
Gatti scored four goals in 32 games for Juventus last season. During those appearances, the defender averaged one tackle, 1.6 successful aerial duels and 2.6 clearances per match. He made 40.6 passes per game and recorded an impressive completion rate of 86.1% (Who Scored).
Standing at 6ft 4in tall, the former Frosinone star possesses the ideal frame to succeed in the Premier League, what with it’s robust physical nature.
He’d the be the perfect centre-back partner for Max Kilman at the London Stadium.
The former bricklayer (The Athletic) knows what it’s like to work his way to the top.
And if West Ham manage to obtain his signature this summer, Newcastle will certainly view that as a big blow.
READ ALSO:
Declan Rice makes it very clear who he thinks West Ham United’s best player is
West Ham now want to sign ‘explosive’ £50m star from Premier League giants
West Ham eye bargain summer window deal for £6m star who scored 6 PL goals last season
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
