According to Sky Sports, West Ham United are growing seemingly keen on extending the contract of Manuel Lanzini. The Argentine playmaker’s current deal at the club expires at the end of this season and are running the risk of losing him for free next summer. However, it is claimed that the Hammers hold an option to extend Lanzini’s contract by a further two years. But, they are eager to renew his contract beyond 2022.
Lanzini’s spell at West Ham so far
A product of the River Plate youth academy, Lanzini initially joined West Ham back in 2015, in a season-long loan deal from Al-Jazira. It was a new challenge for the Argentine but one he fared well in, scoring six goals in his debut season in the Premier League. As a result, his contract was made permanent by West Ham the following summer for a fee of €12 million.
During his four year spell at the club, Lanzini has scored 21 goals and provided 17 assists in 111 competitive matches. Injuries played a crucial role in halting his progress in London, with an ACL injury in 2018, notably keeping him out on the sidelines for almost eight months.
Lanzini could be integral to West Ham’s chance creation
West Ham United have reinforced their creative department with the addition of Pablo Fornals this summer. But, the Spanish international will need some time to get his feet sorted out in the Premier League. As for Jack Wilshere, he hasn’t been able to live up to his expectations following his departure from Arsenal.
Lanzini, therefore, is West Ham’s creator-in-chief at the moment. The Argentine has featured in ninety minutes of both the games against Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion this season. His ingenuity in the final third coupled with his ability to thread passes in behind the backline could be integral for a West Ham side, who have struggled with creativity, of late.
Should West Ham extend Lanzini’s contract?
As iterated earlier, Lanzini could be vital to West Ham’s productivity this season. The Hammers have no shortage of goalscoring options. But, if they can keep the creative department, led by Lanzini, ticking, they are sure to achieve better results than last season.
Furthermore, the ex-River Plate star, at the age of 26, is at the peak of his game and is a decent long-term option for the club. Therefore, the Londoners should definitely go ahead and extend Lanzini’s contract that will keep him at the club beyond 2020.
