Report from Italy claims West Ham are in ‘concrete talks’ to sign 124-goal Mexican attacker Hirving Lozano as a Jesse Lingard alternative.
After more than a year chasing Lingard – and having reportedly been on the verge of finally sealing the deal – West Ham’s pursuit of a reunion looks set to end in tears.
It appears Lingard is set to choose a more lucrative contract at Nottingham Forest over a return to the London Stadium.
The biggest indication that West Ham have now given up hope of signing the free agent has emerged from Italy today.
Because a new report claims West Ham are in ‘concrete talks’ to sign 124-goal Mexican attacker Lozano as a Jesse Lingard alternative.
West Ham boss David Moyes was reportedly very keen on signing Napoli and Mexico midfielder Lozano when he first returned east London two years ago (Calcio Mercato).
Now a new report from TuttoMercatoWeb – as also reported by Football Italia – claims the Hammers are in talks to negotiate a deal with the Serie A side for the attacking midfielder.
“Napoli are willing to sell Hirving Lozano this summer and they’ve held concrete talks with West Ham recently,” Football Italia states.
As reported by TMW, Lozano could be sold by Napoli this summer and they’ve held talks with a number of clubs, with West Ham’s interest being the most serious.
“The major obstacle for the Hammers, however, is the Mexican’s high wages; the former PSV man earns around €5m (£4.3m) net per season plus add-ons, and a deal with Napoli would cost at least €20m (£17m), making the operation fairly expensive.”
Lozano, 26, is a major star in Mexico but has struggled to hit the heights he achieved at PSV since signing for Napoli in a £36m deal back in 2019.
He does however have a very impressive goal record for a wide forward.
The alleged West Ham target has scored 124 goals for club and country in 400 career appearances so far.
Lozano scored five goals and provided six assists in 30 Serie A appearances last season.
Lozano ticks a lot of boxes for Moyes’ West Ham recruitment model.
He is a good age, quick, hard-working and boasts a great engine. The Mexican is ideally suited to the rough and tumble of the English game.
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