According to a recent report by Corriere dello Sport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in securing the signature of Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik this summer. However, the same source has also stated that the Hammers will also face competition from Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in pursuit of the Serie A centre-forward, whose primary intention is to stay in Italy but is also enticed by the prospect of playing in the Premier League (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
It is understood that the Polish marksman is aware of West Ham’s interest. Still, according to his agent, he is likely to renew his contract with the Naples-based club, which will be a massive blow for any of his potential suitors (via Sport Witness).
Milik’s Impressive Goal-Scoring Record Despite Recent Injury Setbacks
The Poland international has enjoyed a productive season at the San Paolo Stadium despite failing to take part in several matches because of multiple injuries. However, he has overcome most of his injury concerns by finding a level of consistency in front of the opposition goal, which has made him such a fan-favourite in Naples. The Tychy-born talent has registered 12 goals in 22 appearances for Gennaro Gattuso’s side this term. He has received a total of 1545 minutes of game time at the Serie A side, and his brilliant goal-scoring record justifies how prolific he has been for his current employers despite earning limited first-team opportunities across all competitions.
Milik has averaged 3.4 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per game in the Italian top tier this season (stats via whoscored). On his day, he can be a menacing presence in and around the opposition penalty area, which is why the Hammers should try their best to bring him to the London Stadium when the transfer window reopens later this year.
The 26-year-old also has a vast amount of experience at the international level after representing the Polish national side in 49 matches while banging in 14 goals for his country thus far. He will be Poland’s best hope for goals in the UEFA European Championship finals which has been delayed until the end of next season.
What Will The Polish Striker Add To David Moyes’ Team?
Milik lacks pace but possesses outstanding ball-control that enables him to retain possession even when he is under pressure from the opposition. The Polish goal-getter can read the game well and get into some promising positions in the final third. He has gradually transformed himself into a lethal goal-scorer as he can strike the ball with a lot of power and accuracy from long range. The Napoli star could turn out to be an exciting addition to David Moyes’ squad if the Hammers can find a way to win the chase to sign him this summer.
West Ham currently have Sebastien Haller, Albian Ajeti and Michail Antonio vying for the right to lead the line at the London Stadium. However, the talented trio can benefit from some help in the form of new reinforcements so that they can push each other to get better in the years to come. A forward of Milik’s skillset will not only add another dimension to Moyes’ attack but also enhance the overall depth of his squad.
Plus, he will also give the former Everton head coach the added freedom to tweak his first-team, tactics and formations more often in the upcoming campaign. The East London giants have lacked a proper goal-scoring centre-forward over the past few years. Hence, its high time for them to land a new striker which makes Milik a worthy target for them to pursue during the summer transfer period.
