West Ham Opinion: Hammers should sign Andrea Belotti in the summer
According to the Calciomercato, West Ham are still in the race to sign Italian international striker Andrea Belotti from Torino in the summer.
West Ham were ready to offer £45million for the 25-year-old prolific striker in January but a deal ultimately failed to materialize, with Torino refusing to part ways with their prized asset. (h/t Cuore Toro)
The Hammers, though, haven’t been deflated by Torino’s refusal and are keen to return with another big-money offer in the summer to lure the forward away from the Serie A.
Bellotti made the headlines with 26 goals in the Serie A in the 2016-17 season but his goal tally in the league dropped to 10 in the next season and he has once again had a decent run this season, netting on 10 occasions in the league so far.
Belotti’s stocks have risen since his move to Torino from Palermo in 2015, having racked up an impressive 65 goals and 22 assists from 139 appearances for his current club in all competitions.
A prolific goalscorer for Italy at all youth levels, Belotti already has 5 goals from 20 senior international caps for his nation.
To put things into perspective, Belotti has certainly promised a lot in the Serie A and boasts of an eye-catching scoring record, which should make him an exciting proposition for the Hammers.
Manuel Pellegrini would need to make a decision on the futures of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernández, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll at the end of the season and someone like Belotti is likely to be an upgrade on the likes of Perez and Carroll.
Hernández has scored some crucial goals but the former Man United star has struggled for consistency and it remains to be seen whether the Hammers keep him on their payroll for another season or decide to cash in on him.
Lucas Perez has pretty much been a peripheral figure at east London since his move from Arsenal last summer while Andy Carroll has slipped down the pecking order due to his struggles with long-term injuries.
West Ham can still rely on Arnautovic but the Austrian was the centre point of speculation in January, and although he has committed his future to the club, the summer transfer window might see the potential suitors come calling for his services once again.
Hence, the acquisition of an in-form striker like Belotti can work wonders for the Hammers in their bid to challenge for a Europa League spot next season.
Belotti, though not as talented as someone like Arnautovic, has the reputation of being a bona-fide goalscorer in Italy.
A hardworking and tenacious striker blessed with plenty of drive, determination and athleticism, the 25-year-old primarily relies on his instincts and awareness to get into scoring positions.
Regarded as a potent threat from set-pieces due to his superb aerial ability, Belotti has a strong shot with both feet which allows him to work the angles perfectly in front of goal, as well as from outside the box.
Apart from his eye for goal and aerial ability and clinical finishing, which are some of his key attributes, Belotti is also adept at linking up with his teammates in the final third to create chances.
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Having fared reasonably well in their first season under Manuel Pellegrini, the Hammers need to aim for better things next term and Andrea Belotti cam turn out to be the man who propels the Hammers to greater heights.
With that being said, West Ham would strike gold by getting their hands on the coveted Italian forward in the summer.
