West Ham United are reportedly holding further talks with Sassuolo over the transfer of striker Gianluca Scamacca.
The Hammers have previously been in contact with the Italian side for the services of the towering striker and his teammate Giacomo Raspadori.
David Moyes wants to provide competition up front for Michail Antonio and have identified Scamacca as the ideal cover for the Jamaican.
However, the transfer for the striker is under threat as Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest in signing the 23-year-old. PSG reportedly held talks with Sassuolo’s director in June, but have not made an official offer as they weigh their options given that they are also in the market for Reims forward Hugo Ekitike.
According to 90min, PSG’s hierarchy are currently split over whether to pursue a deal for Scamacca or to bring Ekitike to Parc des Princes. However, it’s still possible that the club will sign both if Mauro Icardi departs the Parc des Princes this summer.
But West Ham will fancy their chances in the race for Scamacca as they can guarantee him game-time over PSG who already have an established front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. Having broken into the Italy national team and featuring regularly for Roberto Mancini the 23-year-old will be desperate to go to a team that will guarantee him game time to remain in the Azzurri plans although they will not play in the World Cup this year.
Scamacca scored 16 goals during an impressive 2021/22 Serie A campaign and his performances saw him linked with a big-money move to Premier League side Arsenal earlier in the window, although the Gunners have since signed Gabriel Jesus from Man City.
Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Armando Broja remains a major target for West Ham and there’s an expectation that the club will explore a deal for both players.
The West London side have shown that they are not afraid of splashing the cash this summer having already signed Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola and Flynn Downes for fees totalling around £50m combined.
