Chelsea keen on West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini as technical director Michael Emenalo eyes shock summer transfer for Premier League champions
The Argentine international was one of the positives from a disappointing season for the Hammers in the Premier League
WEST HAM’S Manuel Lanzini is a shock target for champions Chelsea.
Michael Emenalo, the Blues’ technical director, is an admirer of the Hammers’ playmaker and thinks he has the potential to be on a par with Real Madrid star Luka Modric.
Lanzini’s fine recent form has already been rewarded with a first call-up to the senior Argentina squad.
Chelsea will need high quality reinforcements to mount serious challenges at home and in Europe next season.
Lanzini,24, would be an attractive option, especially if Cesc Fabregas leaves to join AC Milan. He has also been linked with a move to Everton.
Last week SunSport reported how Lanzini insisted he was happy at the London Stadium, despite links with a summer switch to Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.
Lanzini, has stepped up since the controversial departure of Dimitri Payet in January, and has bagged eight goals, including the winner against Tottenham earlier this month.
Everton are keen on the 24-year-old if Ross Barkley departs, while Liverpool are monitoring things if Philippe Coutinho opts to join Barcelona in the summer.
The Gunners are also watching the Argentine schemer, but Lanzini insists he won’t do a “Dimitri Payet” and leave the Hammers in the lurch.
Lanzini said:”The season was good for me on a personal level, at the beginning it was not great [as I suffered an injury on international duty in pre-season], but then I could achieve a good level.
“Dimi is a great player, he left and it was not a good news for the squad but luckily at the end I had a very good season.
“For now, I am thinking of the next game then thinking of having good holidays with the family. I am very happy here.