West Ham United are reportedly set to battle it out with Aston Villa and Real Betis for the services of Tottenham outcast Giovani Lo Celso.
According to Charlie Gordon, West Ham United have enquired about the availability of Giovani Lo Celso this week. The Hammers are plotting to reinforce their midfield before the end of the deadline day, and they are ready to rival Aston Villa and Real Betis in the race for the Argentine midfielder’s services.
Lo Celso joined the North London club back in 2019 from Real Betis on a season-long loan deal. The move was made permanent in the following summer. But the 28-year-old has not been able to live up to the expectations. While he was a regular in the initial years, he went down the pecking order with time.
After Giovani Lo Celso spent a significant amount of time out of loan, Ange Postecoglou wanted him around for the 2023/24 season. While the Argentine expected to get a significant amount of game time under the Australian manager, things did not go according to plan as he was on the pitch for less than 600 minutes spread across his 24 outings.
Lo Celso to leave, West Ham make enquiry
Giovani Lo Celso does not seem to be a part of their plans moving ahead as he has been left out of their squad from their initial outings this season. With his contract running out in less than 12 months, Tottenham want to sanction his departure before the end of the transfer window.
While the 28-year-old did not play much football last season, there is still no shortage of interest in his services. West Ham United are one of the clubs keen on signing Lo Celso. They have asked about the Argentine midfielder this week.
Guido Rodríguez’s arrival surely bolsters the Hammers’ midfield as he is capable of providing a solid defensive cover. But, Julen Lopetegui seeks more depth, and the West Ham manager wants to bring in someone who can feature in multiple positions and is a bit more attacking.
Real Betis front-runners to sign Giovani Lo Celso, Aston Villa also keen
West Ham United feel the Tottenham outcast could help their cause and with the deadline fast approaching, they are looking to make a move. But, La Liga club Real Betis seem to be in a much more comfortable position in the pursuit of Lo Celso’s signature.
With Nabil Fekir on the verge of leaving, Los Verdiblancos have identified their former playmaker as an ideal replacement and have already been in talks with the player. The Andalusian outfit are the favourites to sign Giovani Lo Celso, and they are looking to go all out to sign him.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are also keen on signing the Argentine midfielder, who has done wonders for Unai Emery in the past. The Spanish manager wants him in his squad for the 2024/25 season and Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on his situation. If a potential move to Real Betis collapses, Emery’s team could launch an assault to sign him.
