AC Milan have set their sights on West Ham’s Fabian Balbuena, according to Calciomercato.
West Ham signed Balbuena from Corinthians last summer and he has since played 34 games. In the last few matches, he has been recalled to the starting line-up with Issa Diop dropping out.
But now he could be on his way out. The Paraguay international is one of two options as the Italian club look to sign a new centre-half. Blas Riveros of Basel is the other target.
What should West Ham do with Balbuena?
(Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)
Balbuena has been in and out of the West Ham team this season and has not maintained his form from last season. But the 28-year-old has shown glimpses of his ability.
West Ham fans are split on whether to sell Balbuena or not. He is a strong squad player and he did join for a bargain fee. If he can recapture his form from last season, then he is a guaranteed starter.
Alternatively, West Ham could cash in. He hardly cost anything and the Hammers could probably make a handy profit on him. Here are some tweets reacting.
If we could work a swap deal for Kessie including him then yes. But otherwise I wouldn’t sell as he is great backup.
— Joe (@BrysonJoe6) December 18, 2019
Hard player to put a price on really, personally wouldn’t sell.
— Rob Waldon WHUFC ⚒ (@RobWaldon) December 17, 2019
Whether he stays or leaves to go to AC Milan, for the initial cost of only £4m, Balbuena has been a bargain for that priced – if only for how good he was last season for us. Superb first season for West Ham which after was, annoyingly, followed by a loss of confidence and form.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) December 17, 2019
Looked better the last couple of games. I think we could find someone better if he was moved on however.
— Kris Johnson (@kjohno10) December 17, 2019
Awesome 25-30m and he’s theirs!
— Alex Hartley (@AlexHartley9) December 17, 2019
Swap for Frank Kessie 😂
— David Clerihew (@DavidClerihew) December 17, 2019