According to Sky Sports News, West Ham is considering a move for Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina.
The 24-year-old Gabonese international was targeted by Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, Valencia and Southampton last summer while still at Juventus. Southampton was the only club prepared to pay £16 million asking price rising to £20m with add-ons. The Saints announcing him on a five-year contract last August, a club record at the time.
Lemina went on to play in 25 games for the Saints although just 20 of these came as starts which has left the player reportedly frustrated.
Sky Sports have claimed Lemina would be a replacement for Pedro Obiang who has been linked by Sky to £8.9m move back to Sampdoria. Club insiders last week said Obiang is not for sale as he features in Pellegrini’s plans and they certainly wouldn’t let him go out on loan or on the cheap calling most bids from Italy ridiculously low.
Yesterday when Pellegrini was asked about Obiang he replied “I don’t talk about anything. If for some reason, Pedro must go then there will be a replacement.”
Does seem like Pedro is weighing up his options doesn’t it ? I doubt we would get Lemina but probably we could sign someone else the manager has identified.
At the start of last season I thought this guy was the real deal, but as it went on I changed my mind. Then again, didn’t Hugh say the other day to discount any buying speculation unless it is a striker. In Hugh we trust..Just read it again & Pellegrini does say ‘As a replacement’. Fair enough although I think I would prefer to keep Obiang.
Some of the other clubs are getting going now. Look at Wolves. If the amount you can spend is linked to your revenue can somebody explain to me how Wolves can not be breaking the rules?
There is rumors of Kouyate going to Porto, so if he and Obiang do go, then with a little more money, we could get Sturaru, and perhaps Lemina to replace them. I wouldn’t mind.
Me either Sleeps although with Lemina having signed a 5 year contract I think it is all paper talk, Thiago Mendes, Sturaro as you mentioned or Joao Mario though would certainly increase our level.