We’ve largely ignored the Pedro Obiang to Atalanta story over the past few days as the Italian media haven’t really been forthcoming with the updates, mainly stating the interest was there and nothing more.
However, over the past 24 hours, the pace has picked up, as Bergamo Post explained on Monday the ‘final assault’ for the West Ham midfielder was coming.
Lo and behold, Tuesday’s edition of the Bergamo edition of Corriere della Sera gives us more detail, revealing that Atalanta’s offer to the Hammers is a paid loan of €1m with a view to buy the 26-year-old at any time for €9m.
Originally bought for £5.4m, accepting this offer would present West Ham with the opportunity to make a profit on a player who spent a large chunk of last season with a knee injury, but who has since proven his fitness.
With all the new arrivals at London Stadium, there will come a point when the Hammers will need to start recouping some money to balance their expenditure.
While this might not be an outright sale, it’s certainly the promise of some money, should Atalanta be impressed with what Pedro Obiang does.
There’s always the risk of him flopping, but with a strong knowledge of Serie A already under his belt from his time at Sampdoria, adapting won’t be an issue.
