David Moyes says a club will be getting a top player as Manuel Lanzini departs West Ham amid Aston Villa links.
After eight seasons, 226 appearances and 32 goals Manuel Lanzini is leaving West Ham, the club has confirmed.
And that will be big news over at Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old ‘little jewel’ has become a genuine Hammers hero but had faced an uncertain future at the London Stadium after falling down the pecking last season.
The Argentine midfielder is out of contract at the end of the month. And although West Ham had the option to extend Lanzini’s deal by a further two years the decision has been taken to part ways.
Lanzini will be remembered for some brilliant goals. But none more so than that barnstorming equaliser in the legendary 3-3 comeback draw at Tottenham.
David Moyes says club will be getting a top player as Manuel Lanzini departs West Ham amid Aston Villa links
According to a recent report from Fotomac, Lanzini is firmly on the radar of Aston Villa ahead this summer.
The report claims Villa boss Unai Emery is a huge fan of Lanzini.
And Aston Villa have registered their interest in signing him on a free transfer along with Besiktas and River Plate.
Some fans feel alleged Villa Lanzini has been underused by David Moyes at West Ham.
Especially given the team’s struggles to keep possession – the Hammers had the second worst possession statistics in the Premier League last season.
Now Moyes says a club will be getting a top player as Lanzini departs West Ham amid those Aston Villa links.
Moyes: ‘Lanzini too good to be a bit-part player’
The Scot explained Lanzini is too good to be a bit-part player. And with the likes of Aston Villa linked, Moyes says the club who sign him will be getting a top player and professional.
“Manu has been a tremendous servant for the football club and a brilliant player for me in my time here as manager,” Moyes told West Ham’s website.
“Manu is a fantastic professional, a really good lad, and whichever club he joins will have an excellent player on their hands.
“We are sorry to see him go, but he deserves the opportunity to play more regularly elsewhere, and we wish him well in his next adventure.”
Whether that will be with Aston Villa, his boyhood and first club River Plate or elsewhere will soon become clear.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
Assistant describes jaw-dropping moment foreign stars realised just how massive West Ham are.
Does Allardyce know something about Man City and West Ham deal for Rice after Arsenal bid rejected.
West Ham linked with shock move to bring in Frenchman from elite club.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
