West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Andrea Belotti, who remains in a contract standoff with Torino.
According to talkSPORT, West Ham United are interested in signing Andrea Belotti next summer, when he might be available on a free transfer. The 27-year-old Italian striker has refused to commit beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.
A few years ago, Andrea Belotti was one of the hottest properties around the striker market in Europe. Torino even quoted around €100 million for the striker when interest peaked as he starred in a sensational season in Serie A.
However, his stock has fallen considerably since then. At international level, though, Belotti has been going strong and he was included in the Italian squad for UEFA Euro 2020, where he made several cameo appearances, as Ciro Immobile was the clear-cut choice to lead the line.
Now that it is clear Belotti might not sign a new deal with Torino, clubs, specifically from the Premier League, are lining up for his signature. Arsenal showed some interest, as Mikel Arteta looks for a viable, experienced striker to replace Alexandre Lacazette.
Tottenham are also interested, while Barcelona, too, are pondering a possible move. In any case, Belotti will be viewed more as a backup/cover for any club’s main striker, as his form from recent seasons suggests. West Ham United are the latest to show an interest, but the profile of the Hammers might attract the Italian.
David Moyes wants a backup option for Michail Antonio, who has suffered few niggling injuries and subsequently missed some key games. A striker like Belotti would be asked to fill in his shoes when the time comes, although the 27-year-old might get more game time at the London Stadium compared to other interested clubs.
Belotti might look to rekindle his career at a club like West Ham, who play a physical style of football in the final third, something to the Italian’s liking. There is still time till January, when the player can sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs, and only then it will reveal if the Hammers’ interest is genuine or not.