In a recent report, Calciomercato has claimed that West Ham United are facing stiff competition for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic this summer. It is understood that the Hammers will have to battle it out with Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and AC Milan in pursuit of the Serbian centre-half (via Calciomercato).
Milenkovic’s Impressive Form At The Artemio Franchi Stadium
The Belgrad-born sensation is having a solid season at Florence after producing a run of commanding displays at the heart of Giuseppe Iachini’s defence. Milenkovic has been involved in 34 matches for the Italian side this term, netting three goals and securing one assist in multiple competitions.
The 23-year-old has given a good account of himself by averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per 90 minutes in Serie A this season. The Serbian sensation has even been tidy with his ball distribution, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 85.7% in the Italian first division (stats via whoscored).
Milenkovic’s current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, so Fiorentina will have no choice but to cash in on him this summer or else risk losing him as a free agent next year. Therefore, the Hammers would be wise to orchestrate a move to bring the Serbian defensive ace to East London in this off-season.
Is Milenkovic The Right Choice For West Ham?
Milenkovic can use his strong 1.95m frame to dominate the opposition and win some important 50-50 aerial duels for his team. He is a decent tackler of the ball and has got the tenacity to earn possession back for his team. The 28-time Serbia international can clear his lines when required and usually works his socks off on the defensive end of the field.
Hence, Milenkovic could be a shrewd choice for West Ham boss David Moyes to consider during the summer transfer window. At 23, the Serbian sensation is about to enter the peak years of his playing career, so the Hammers can expect to make the most of his services if they manage to find a way to get a deal done for him at the end of this campaign.
Milenkovic will undeniably add some serious competition for Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson for a place in Moyes’ starting XI next season. Plus, he will enhance the quality of West Ham’s match-day squad considerably which could be enough to help them compete for some major trophies over the next few years. All in all, the Fiorentina centre-half will be an excellent option for the East London club this summer as he ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Moyes wants from his first-team defenders.
