Update on the future of this former Chelsea target- West Ham United attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson has emerged as a summer transfer target for Italian outfit Napoli. This is according to reports in Italy. The Serie A giants are said to be preparing for life without their long-term servant Jose Callejon. The forward expected to leave when the transfer window reopens.
According to reports in Italy, Napoli has lined up Anderson as a possible replacement of the Spaniard. The Italians are pretty much aware that getting such an important player from West Ham would be a very difficult task. That is why Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso is also looking at ex-Chelsea youngster Jeremie Boga as an alternative to the Brazilian.
The 23-year-old Ivorian international has been quite impressive for Sassuolo since he joined the Italian side and has himself emerged as a subject of interest. Everton Soares from Gremio, AZ Alkmaar’s Oussama Idrissi and Milot Rashica of Werder Bremen are some of the other names on the reported wishlist.
Is A Move Away From The Club Still On?
However, the priority target of the Rossoneri is Anderson who formerly was at Lazio. The Brazilian arrived at the East London club from Serie A giants Lazio for a club-record £45m in July 2018. He hit the ground running with ten goals and five assists in his first season in East London.
This campaign, the two-time capped Brazilian international has been pretty underwhelming. His only goal of the season so far, from 24 appearances, came in the 4-0 thumping of Bournemouth on New Year’s Day.
Since January 10, he has started just once in the Premier League, missing a few weeks with a back injury and then coming on for the final minutes against Southampton and Arsenal. David Moyes does have plenty of options to choose from behind the centre forward.
Manuel Lanzini, Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals, Andriy Yarmolenko and Jarrod Bowen are all among the options in the advanced midfield area. So, a decent offer could tempt the Hammers to consider a deal for Anderson.
Chelsea Wanted The West Ham Star Too?
The west London outfit were chasing the attacking midfielder too. However, with the departure of their former managers, things cooled down. Jose Mourinho was sacked and Maurizio Sarri returned to Italy.
Keeping that in mind, the club hired Frank Lampard, who had other ideas. With the return of the former England international, Anderson’s move to Stamford Bridge was cut short. Keeping that in mind, he could now look for alternatives.
He is a good player and is wanted by a host of clubs. Anderson had stated before that he wants to win more titles in England. If that is true, he may look to remain in the English capital. This could mean that a move to Italy may not be on the cards.
However, nothing is certain in the transfer window. Things can always just change at any point in time. It may so happen that he may end up at Chelsea. You never know!!
