West Ham players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Earlier in the season, the Sun had reported that Arsenal were among the top suitors for Serie A star Gianluca Mancini.
The 22-year-old has been a revelation this season for Atlanta, in their superb campaign in the Serie A this season. So far, the Serie A side are seventh in the league but are only three points off fifth place.
However, if there is one club that really needs Mancini, it’s West Ham United given the state of their defence. At the moment, the Hammers have only Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid at their disposal. While Diop has flourished since his move to the Premier League, nobody else has been half as good.
Balbuena has struggled with injuries and form since his move, while Ogbonna and Reid are past their abilities for West Ham. That shows the state of the Hammers defence and the 2-0 loss to Cardiff City on Saturday further emphasises that.
They struggled to keep the relegation-threatened side from scoring but two goals were born from defensive errors.
That has further added to the club’s problems and moreover, it’s exactly why a move for Gianluca Mancini would do them good. The 22-year-old has been a solid defender for the Serie A side and has contributed with a few goals at key moments so far.
A modern centre-back, the Italian has been blessed with incredible speed and athleticism which has allowed him to flourish.
That makes him the perfect partner for Issa Diop and his ball-playing abilities that should entice manager Manuel Pellegrini. The former Manchester City manager likes playing out from the back and thus expects his centre-backs to use their feet both offensively and defensively.
That’s something that Mancini excels at and more so, he’s absolutely fearless. The 22-year-old despite being only 22, has no fear in his body and is very composed when it comes to one-vs-one situations.
Add to that, his 6’3” frame and his physical presence, there are few players that would be as perfect as Gianluca Mancini for West Ham.
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But with Arsenal (Sun) also showing their interest, things could get complicated very fast. Given West Ham’s ambition and the state of their back-line, they have to get him. Otherwise, West Ham will lose the most feasible defensive option they could ever have.
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