According to a recent report by Italian source Corriere Dello Sport, Serie A giants Napoli are said to have earmarked West Ham United attacker Pablo Fornals as one of the possible replacements for their midfield playmaker Allan. The report suggests that the Hammers’ fellow Premier League competitor – Everton, are keen on the signature of Napoli’s Brazilian midfielder and that the Serie A side have already begun to shortlist targets for the summer.
One of the names being touted in the report is West Ham midfielder Fornals, who hasn’t had the greatest of times since his switch from La Liga to the London Stadium. With that said though, the fact that the Spaniard arrived at West Ham just last summer could be a stumbling block for Napoli. With four years remaining on his current tenure with the Hammers, and with the player only 24-years-old, it’s likely that the London club will demand a fairly hefty fee for the midfielder’s services in the summer – one that Napoli will be least interested in taking up.
Napoli Eyeing West Ham’s Pablo Fornals: How Has His Season At West Ham Been?
Having arrived in London for a relatively substantial fee just last summer, it must be conceded that Fornals has failed to deliver all the things that were expected of him by the fans. Viewed as a brilliant playmaker who could get past people and shoot just as well as he can find that killer pass, it’s safe to say that Fornals has struggled to settle into life in the Premier League. Although the Spaniard did showcase his quality in glimpses over the season, the level of consistency required to maintain ‘first-team’ status in the Premier League wasn’t to be seen from him.
The Spaniard, despite his bang-average league campaign, played in 27 outings for the Hammers, albeit without making any real impact. The former Villarreal man produced just two goals and five assists from his time in the Premier League this season, while his only other strike for Moyes’ side came in the Carabao Cup. Yet to nail down a place in the team, Fornals was often trumped by Manuel Lanzini to the starting spot, with Moyes even attempting to play the 24-year-old out of position on the flanks.
What Does Fornals Add To This Stacked West Ham Squad?
The midfielder can be a good carrier of the ball in the midfield area, as he has the presence of mind and awareness required to dodge challenges and play the desired ball. Despite not being the biggest player on the pitch by any stretch of the imagination, Fornals does put his body on the line while attempting to retrieve the ball. Often deemed an excellent finisher too, that’s one attribute is the Spaniard’s play that’s yet to be displayed properly since his move to London.
Napoli Eyeing West Ham’s Pablo Fornals: Should Moyes Look To Cash In On Him?
The attacking-midfielder was signed up by the Hammers as they looked to add more strength and tenacity to the front-line, but what they seemingly didn’t realise is the need for another centre-forward to lead the line. Sebastien Haller’s poor displays up front have been a real concern, and the blame, although shared, can’t be placed entirely on to the heads of the rest of the attackers. Fornals has occasionally shown that he’s got what it takes to be regular in this side for a long time to come, and having already spent a season at the London Stadium, things are only going to get better from here. Moyes, therefore, needn’t even think about selling Fornals in the summer window.
