West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui’s blushes could be spared by Newcastle United this summer it seems.
Julen Lopetegui still has a lot of work to do at West Ham this summer, as does Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
The Spaniard needs to strengthen his squad in pretty much every single department, but he’s said to be prioritising the addition of a striker and a midfielder, after the recent injury to Edson Alvarez.
Lopetegui has already begun his Hammers tenure on the front foot, with the additions of Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham and Max Kilman.
He will be fully aware that he’s not even halfway done when it comes to his squad rebuild at the London Stadium though.
The need to address the centre-forward department has been well documented, but the central midfield deficiencies at West Ham have gone under the radar somewhat.
That said, it seems like Newcastle could be about to do us a huge favour by signing someone Lopetegui really wants to bring to East London…
Lucky West Ham escape as Newcastle eye Arthur Melo
Arthur Melo is someone who West Ham have been tracking for a while now, and Lopetegui has even made contact with the midfielder according to reports.
Italian publication Tuttosport claim that Lopetegui is a very big fan indeed of the Juventus midfielder.
The 57-year-old allegedly wanted to sign him during his time in charge of Wolves.
That really concerns me. The Brazil international proved during his time with Liverpool that he simply isn’t good enough to play Premier League football.
Arthur endured a disastrous spell at Anfield during the 2022/23 season. He managed just 13 minutes under Jurgen Klopp, and he didn’t impress one little bit.
He is technically gifted but just isn’t built for the Premier League what with his lack of physicality, power and mobility.
So with that in mind, the latest claim is a positive one for the Hammers.
According to a report from Marca, Newcastle are keen to bring the 27-year-old to St James’ Park this summer.
Juventus will be looking for around £17 million for Arthur Melo this summer (Gazzetta dello Sport), money that West Ham really should be spending elsewhere.
Whilst the Hammers need to sign a defensive midfielder, the additions of a striker and a left winger are far more pressing.
Thankfully, it seems like Newcastle could be about to save Julen Lopetegui from making a very big mistake by signing Arthur Melo this summer.
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