West Ham United tried to strike cut price deal to sign ‘exceptional’ player last summer – Italian journalist

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West Ham United were one of the biggest spending sides in the Premier League this summer.

Lucas Paqueta, Gianluca Scamacca and Nayef Aguerd all joined David Moyes’ side for more than £30m.

However, according to journalist Ciro Venerato, the Hammers tried to get a bargain elsewhere in the market.

Venerato has said that West Ham were trying to sign Napoli playmaker Piotr Zielinski.

However, the Hammers only offered ‘50% of what De Laurentiis wanted’ for the Polish international.

Zielinski was one of West Ham’s main summer targets, with a bid of over £30m being prepared at one point.

However, the move never materialised, and Brazilian Paqueta has slotted into that role brilliantly.

The Polish playmaker’s contract runs out in 2024, and as that expiration date approaches, a move for Zielinski might become easier.

West Ham tried cut price Zielinski deal

Speaking on Luna TV, Venerato said: “The hottest renewal? Surely that of Piotr Zielinski.

“Napoli thought about selling the midfielder, but the English team that wanted him (West Ham) only offered 50% of what (Aurelio) De Laurentiis wanted.”

“Napoli, having taken note of the low offer from the English club, consequently decided not to sell Piotr Zielinski.”

Zielinski has had a good start to the season at Napoli, who are once again chasing the Serie A title.

The Pole has a goal and four assists in the league after nine games, and has scored three goals in three Champions League games.

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is Zielinski’s international teammate, and has said he’s one of the best three players he’s ever played with.

The ‘exceptional’ playmaker is set to travel to the World Cup with the Polish national team.

Hammers fans will have an opportunity to see what they missed out on in Zielinski.

If the 28-year-old can impress in Qatar, West Ham may try to sign Zielinski again in January.