Atalanta manager ‘not against’ selling David Moyes target Joakim Maehle to ‘keen’ West Ham if they pay the £15.5m fee.
West Ham have been linked with versatile fullback Maehle for some time.
And recent reports claim that the Hammers are expected to make a bid for the Atalanta defender – who can play both right-back and left-back.
Tutto Atalanta stated this week that West Ham will ‘make a lunge’ for Danish international Maehle in the coming days.
Now a new report claims the Atalanta manager is ‘not against’ selling Moyes target Maehle to ‘keen’ West Ham if they pay the £15.5m.
Football Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport today state that West Ham are ‘incredibly keen’ to get a deal done for the fullback.
And importantly the Italian club’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, is ‘not against’ selling the rampaging star as he wants the £15.5m to spend on other areas of his team.
“West Ham are incredibly keen to make a move for Atalanta wing back Joakim Maehle this summer,” Football Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport claim.
“The 25-year-old Dane had a fairly decent season under Gian Piero Gasperini, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. Maehle was particularly useful for his tactical flexibility, impressing on both the left and right sides of the pitch.
“As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, a number of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Maehle and West Ham in particular are interested in picking up the 25-year-old Dane.
“Atalanta haven’t transfer listed Maehle but Gasperini is not against a sale, as it would give the club some more resources to invest into the squad… The Bergamo side are now looking to secure at least €18m (£15.5m) in a possible sale.”
Maehle’s versatility is the big attraction here. West Ham are well served at right-back with Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson.
Both can also operate as emergency left-backs if need be – as too can new signing Nayef Aguerd. But that is far from ideal.
Although Maehle is right-footed he has been known to do some of his best work at left-back, as stated in the reports.
Arthur Masuaku simply is not a left-back and Aaron Cresswell – although rejuvenated under Moyes – struggled in the second half of last season.
So Maehle would be a superb signing to play at left-back and provide quality cover at right-back if needed too.
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