West Ham United have reportedly reignited their interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Javier Pastore. Sources close to Sky Sports claim that the Argentine is demanding for wages in the region of £190,000-a-week. He is still under contract with the Ligue 1 side for another 12 months, having made 269 appearances in total for the club.
Pastore is one of those traditional number tens who can work best with the ball under his feet. The 28-year-old signed with the Parisians in 2011 for a club record-breaking €42m transfer fee. He was touted to be the next rising star to take PSG to the world stage but 7 years later such is not the case.
Some would say that the Argentine was overhyped while some would agree that he failed to hit his potential. Pastore had all the traits of becoming an influential figure in the European top-flight but now is not even considered for his national side, for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The former Palermo player has shifted in and out of the rotation with PSG over the previous season. He appeared in 37 games to score 5 goals and set up 6 assists. He made just 14 starts out of the 28 he played in the Ligue 1 under Unai Emery.
Maybe the time is now for him to make his way out of the Parc des Princes to reclaim his position in football. The Hammers will able to offer him a much more important role than he is accustomed to with the French giants.
Manuel Pellegrini is looking for players exactly like Pastore to implement his high-possession attacking style of play. Joao Mario has returned to Inter Milan on the completion of his loan spell and that leaves United a man short in the creative department.
For sure, the Chilean boss can channel his philosophies through the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble but it is unlikely he will reach further than David Moyes did last season with just the duo.
Negotiations are underway for Lazio winger, Felipe Anderson and Toulouse defender, Issa Diop. Pastore could be the one to tie it all together from the central locations.
West Ham are preparing for a future well away from the relegation zone in their brand new stadium. They have hired the right man to lead their charge and now will need the players to reach their destination.
Read More: West Ham United Ready To Sign 2m Rated La Liga Goalkeeper: Right Fit Into Pellegrini’s System?
Maybe offloading a few of the unnecessary players will open up enough room to accommodate Pastore.
