West Ham United are believed to have made a move to sign Flamengo midfielder, Lazaro, although face competition for the youngster’s signature.
What’s the word?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers have seen an initial £6m offer rejected for the promising Brazilian, although are expected to continue discussions in the coming days.
The transfer guru wrote on Twitter that: West Ham approaches Flamengo for offensive midfielder Lázaro. £6m bid opening proposal has been rejected, Flamengo want more than this as @thalesoares reported. Negotiations will continue as many clubs are keen on signing Lázaro.”
The former Brazil U17 international – whose existing deal runs until 2025 – has previously been linked with a move to Scottish Premiership side Rangers earlier this summer.
Lanzini heir
Having already completed six major deals so far this summer – with a move for Emerson Palmieri also in the works – it would appear that manager David Moyes is keen on even further incomings before the September deadline, with Lazaro seemingly one name on his transfer shortlist.
The 20-year-old prospect is only in the early stages of his senior career, although has already racked up a mightily impressive haul of eight goals and eight assists for his current side in just 56 games across all fronts.
A “quality offensive allrounder”, as described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the £6.3m-rated ace has notably netted four goals and provided two assists in just 19 league games so far this season, proving himself a real creative asset for the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit.
The versatile forward player – who largely operates in an attacking midfield role – could well prove to be the heir of fellow South American gem, Manuel Lanzini at the London Stadium, with the Argentine currently offering that playmaking spark in Moyes’ side.
Signed from Al-Jazira back in 2016, the 29-year-old has since gone on to score 29 goals and register 27 assists in 207 games for the east London outfit, making an impressive adjustment to life in the Premier League after spending his early career in Brazil, Argentina and Abu Dhabi.
Like Lazaro, the five-cap gem is typically deployed in a number ten role as a link between the midfield and attack, although has also proven himself capable of featuring on the flanks, with such versatility having made him a key part of the Irons’ squad in recent times.
Dubbed a “special, special player” by teammate Declan Rice, the £70k-per-week star has produced real moments of magic in a claret and blue jersey to date, notable firing in that last-minute equaliser against rivals Tottenham Hotspur two seasons ago.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract – albeit with the club having the option of a two-year extension – it remains to be seen what his long-term future will be in Moyes’ side, with it potentially time to bed in a potential successor, such as Lazaro.
