Latest developments
- West Ham United want to sign Napoli striker Giovanni Simeone.
- The Hammers have made a new striker a priority in January.
- Simeone has only scored once so far this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Site doesn't name source
West Ham have reached out to Serie A leaders Napoli with a view to sign their striker, Giovanni Simeone, in the January transfer window.
footballtransfers.com is reporting this story, with their unnamed sources claiming the Hammers are targeting a new striker for their goal-shy squad.
Value (2.5/5): Simeone's worth declining
Despite the source knowing talks have taken place, there is nothing public yet about the fee the Londoners are proposing for the player with 18 months left on his contract.
At 29, Simeone is no spring chicken, and he has started once and scored once in Serie A this season, playing a small part in Napoli's bid for another title. It is no wonder that his value has dropped to £8.3 million, well short of his £20 million peak some years ago.
Suitability (2/5): No Premier League experience
Diego's son has been plying his trade in Italy since arriving from River Plate in 2016, with his best Serie A goalscoring season coming in 2021/22, when he scored 17. He is yet to score more than four since then.
Clearly there will be doubts about whether he can make a telling contribution in the Premier League when he already appears to be declining.
Upgrade? 1.5/5: Things aren't that bad at West Ham
Michail Antonio may be a lot less consistent than he used to be, and Nicklas Fullkrug has barely been fit since arriving in England, but Simeone is unlikely to start ahead of them, or indeed Jarrod Bowen, who has been an adequate replacement up front numerous times in claret and blue.
Logic (2/5): Makes little sense for Simeone
He may be little more than a reserve player, but Simeone could still play his part in his second Serie A title in three years come the end of the season.
At West Ham, he will be under pressure to hit the ground running for a club which is constantly feeling the strain of Julen Lopetegui's tenure, with the Spaniard always a game or two from the sack. Other than more regular minutes, there seems little for Simeone at the London Stadium.
Whisper+ verdict: 10.5/25
He might not cost much in terms of the transfer fee, but a deal for Simeone could cost West Ham and Lopetegui in other ways if there isn't a huge upturn in his goalscoring form. The Hammers need goals, but they should look elsewhere for them.
