Pedro Obiang surely set for West Ham stay after events of past 24 hours

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West Ham United have looked like moving Pedro Obiang on this summer. The Spanish midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Sampdoria. As reported by Sky Sports at the end of July, West Ham were in talks with the Italian side over a potential move.

Obiang, who played for Sampdoria from 2008-2015, seemed to be on his way.

But have events of the past 24 hours made a move unlikely.

Firstly, Sampdoria snapped up Ronaldo Vieira from Leeds United. As reported by Sky Sports, the England under-21 international has joined the Genoa-based club for a fee of £6.2 million

That would make Obiang, a very similar player, an odd recruit from the Italian side. However, a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, suggested Sampdoria would still pursue Obiang.

However, not long after Vieira headed to Italy, Cheikhou Kouyate left West Ham. The Senegalese international joined Crystal Palace for a reported deal worth around £11 million.

Whilst Sampdoria might still want Obiang, the departure of Kouyate surely sees West Ham needing to keep hold of Obiang.

The arrival of Jack Wilshere was always likely to see one of the pair leave this summer. But with Kouyate now gone West Ham would need another midfield signing before letting Obiang head to Sampdoria – especially given Wilshere’s injury record.

It could be that the events of the past 24 hours have secured the future of Obiang at West Ham for the time being.