Gianluca Nani, the former West Ham United director, is long enough in the tooth to know exactly how the market tends to play out.
During his brief spell at Upton Park from 2008 to 2010, the now-63-year-old Italian saw James Collins and Craig Bellamy leave the Hammers for a Champions League-chasing Aston Villa and a newly-minted Manchester City.
West Ham United, relegation still stinging, are obviously not the biggest sharks in the pond right now.
But still, compared to the relative minnows of Watford, their interest in Australia’s World Cup sensation Nestory Irankunda may have Gianluca Nani reminiscing reluctantly about when he was powerless to prevent the departures of some key players in East London.
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Australian reporter Vince Rugari claimed, following his fabulous solo effort in a 2-0 win over Turkey last month, that West Ham are keen on Watford forward Irankunda.
And Nani, who now works as the technical director for both Watford and their Pozzo-owned sister club Udinese, does not need reminding about what the headline story of the summer is likely to be at Vicarage Road.
Speaking on the official Watford podcast, Nani acknowledged the difficulties his side face when trying to retain a forward that has already been the subject of a failed bid from Premier League newcomers Hull City.
Nani was both hopeful and realistic. He will know that, with Hull and West Ham both ahead of Watford in the footballing food chain, nature could take its course.
“A lot of big clubs are watching him. Now, we have to fight to keep him,” says Nani. “I’m happy when a top club is asking for some of our players because it’s a certification that we’ve done a good job. I’m more scared if no-one is asking for our players!
“It’s also not that we want to sell everybody, but it’s also part of our job. Nestory is a great guy and he’s doing super well. We are proud of what he’s doing and all the world is talking about him.
“We would really like to have him with us but let’s see what the market says.”
An ominous final statement, from a Watford perspective.
Australia star Irankunda is expensive but full of potential
According to reports, the one-time Bayern Munich prospect is valued at around £25 million. Daniel Kretinsky is ready to finance a West Ham spending spree, but it remains to be seen if there is sufficient room in the budget for a signing such as this.
If there is, Irankunda would bring some much-needed speed and unpredictability to an often one-paced frontline, if not end-product.
The stats draw comparisons with Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. Extremely fast and willing to try his hand from any range and distance, you can expect fireworks with Irankunda. It’s just that, with only four goals in 42 Watford games, a £25 million deal leaves you at risk of having your fingers burned.
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Speaking to SBS Sport following Australia’s round-of-32 exit at the hands of Egypt last Friday, Irankunda confirmed what Gianluca Nani would surely have been expecting. That he views Watford as a stepping stone on the way to something bigger.
“I see myself playing at a top level in England, whether that is now or next season. It will happen eventually, in my opinion,” says the self-confident Irankunda.
“I have that belief in myself that I can get to that level one day. Only time will tell.”
Does any phrase sum up the uncertainty of the summer market better? With the World Cup ongoing, West Ham feel like one of a number of clubs standing by the fuse with a lit match, waiting for the moment to start the fire.
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