Fiorentana are reportedly facing a challenge from Sassuolo for the signature of Pedro Obiang according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Italian outlet claims that the former Sampdoria star had been close to a return with the Florence-based team, but that Sassuolo are now also in the hunt.
Roma were reported to have an interest at on stage but there have been no firm moves for the player despite regular links to allegedly interested clubs.
Both he and Chicharito – assuming our striker targets are met – are seen as players who can help considerably towards attracting the finance required for new blood manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen to introduce – hopefully raising around £18m.
The player had been looking for a move last summer but instead the Hammers moved out Chiek Kouyate, who had been kicking up a fuss about his West Ham position after some indifferent performances.
Obiang,27, by comparison, acted entirely professionally getting on with the job at had despite suffering some form lapses and deserves his move as he approaches the best age to advance his career.
Def time for Obiang to go back to Italy he has wanted move for a while. I’d really love to see him go to Bologna his old Sampdoria manager is there. They ended up getting other mid but still interested too & w Erick Lukgar getting interest from Roma & others bc Copa performances. If Adaon Alvarez rumours are true I’d love bc 21 technical DM who started as CB & RB can play all so offer versatile think MP wants but 10 yr younger then Medel & isn’t know as pitbul bc headbuts ppl. Tho I like Medel Pulgar would make much more sense for mid especially if Alvarez choices Wolves which is expected bc Jimenez tho wants PL move. But Pulgar 6’2 strong mobile defensive mid & CM tackling blocks break blpay but then moves fwd w great range if passing, set pieces, longer range & dead ball goals very rounded 6 goals & 2 assists last season was immense for Bologna. With that buyout they will most likely lose him but if we giove Obiang & £2-5m they get a mid the manager got best our of & some cash. Pellegrini as talked about wanting to sign Chilean players the Leverkusen bloke turned us down which I’m fine with Pulgar much better 5 years younger at 25 him & Rice would offer great protection for back & he can move play fwd w passing and chip goals.
My prediction is he’ll go for an ‘undisclosed fee’.