Italian news outlet, Calciomercato reports that West Ham United and Everton are looking to sign Gian Marco Ferrari this summer. The centre-back has proven himself to be a quality defensive figure in the Serie A but has not made a single first-team appearance for Sassuolo since his transfer in 2016.
With his contract set to run until the summer of 2021, the Hammers might have to shell out £7m-£9m, depending on how far rivalling outfits push for the 26-year-old’s signature. Ferrari really impressed last season during his 32 appearances for Sampdoria while out on loan.
He contributed with 2 goals on the offensive end of the pitch and helped the side to the 10th place of the Italian top-flight. The centre-back started out in the youth ranks of Parma but faced an impossible obstacle of breaking into the senior side.
He spent time away on loan with clubs like Monticelli Terme, Crociato Noceto, Fiorenzuolo and Renate before making a permanent move to Gubbio and later back to Parma. His most consistent bit of first-team action was observed with Crotone with whom he spent three seasons, two on loan and one permanently.
The Italian was even called up for national team duties against England and Argentina in March but did not get to feature on the pitch. Ferrari has certainly faced his fair share of problems to establish himself as a competent figure in the Serie A.
He might just be offered a better chance at the London Stadium with Manuel Pellegrini currently taking over as head coach. The Chilean boss has already made a prolific defensive addition in Issa Diop and now has to put the rest of his pieces together.
Now that James Collins has been released from his duties, United could use a few more options in defence. The likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice, Reece Burke and Winston Reid could not cut it for the side last term as they let in 68 goals in 38 Premier League games and finished the 2017/18 campaign with the worst defence in the entire English top-flight.
After facing the wrath of their own supporters in a home loss to Burnley, the Hammers have set themselves on an ambitious path of recovery. David Sullivan and the rest of the West Ham ownership showed their intent by handing a £10m-a-year contract to the former Manchester City boss.
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Now, they just need to keep bankrolling Pellegrini’s needs in order to improve upon their performances from last season.
