West Ham United
Premier League • England
Giovanni Simeone: West Ham battle two Serie A clubs for striker signing as Verona intentions made clear
West Ham United are reported to be one of the contenders for the signature of Hellas Verona striker Giovanni Simeone, according to a report.
Simeone enjoyed a standout season with Verona in 2021-22 while on loan from Cagliari. His return of 17 goals in Serie A was the best of his career so far. As such, it was an easy decision for Verona to buy him on a permanent basis.
However, they may not have done so with the intention of keeping him for next season. Instead, there is a feeling that their plan could be to sell him on for an immediate profit.
According to Calciomercato, after parting with €10m (£8.5m) for ownership of his services, Verona could now double their money by asking for a figure close to €20m (£16.9m) to sell him.
Among the clubs who could present them with a proposal are West Ham, Monza and Napoli.
Focusing on Napoli’s interest, Calciomercato claim the inclusion of a counterpart or two could lower Verona’s requests.
Napoli are in the market for a new striker this summer. Dries Mertens could end up signing a new contract, but Andrea Petagna may be on the move.
Therefore, further competition could be required for main man Victor Osimhen, who has attracted a few elite clubs with his own performances. In that regard, Napoli are viewing Simeone as an option.
They would be the biggest European club he has represented in his career so far. However, what may work against their favour is that Simeone wants to continue playing regularly after a season of growth.
Depending on what happens with Osimhen and Mertens, Napoli may not be able to provide him with that. Serie A newcomers Monza might, but may not match Simeone’s ambition just yet.
West Ham would be good landing spot if Giovanni Simeone moves
Hence, a move to West Ham should be one for the Argentina international to consider. The report notes that they are battling other, unnamed Premier League clubs for his services.
But West Ham may have the biggest need for a new striker. They still haven’t signed one since selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January 2021; for context, Haller has already earned another move in the time his former employers have been taking to replace him.
Consequently, there has been a burden on the likes of Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen to get the goals at the London Stadium. Now, it may be the right time for more competition to arrive.
Simeone, 27, has the potential to make an impact for the Premier League side. What’s more, they would be able to offer him European football.
So too could Napoli, and in their case it would be of the Champions League variety. However, continuity could be the most important thing, which makes West Ham an appealing option.
Staying with Verona could be something to give thought to as well. The report does not indicate how likely that would be, though.
If he will be completing a swift exit from the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, West Ham would be grateful takers.