A few weeks ago, we relayed a story from Gazzetta dello Sport that West Ham were said to be interested Genoa’s Diego Laxalt, with the Hammers apparently making a €10m bid for the Uruguayan.
At the time we were very skeptical, and it seems we were right to be because it hasn’t been mentioned since.
Laxalt’s exit from Genoa, however, appears to be a distinct possibility, and the Serie A side are already looking at replacement, which is where Newcastle come in.
The 24-year-old left-back/left midfielder was an important part of the Serie A side last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and picking up four assists, and they’d be looking at someone of equal ability to substitute him in case of a departure.
Anything but a success at Newcastle since arriving at St James’ Park for just under £2.5m, Achraf Lazaar is one of the players Genoa is looking at to succeed Laxalt, and there’s a good reason for that.
Prior to sitting on the bench in the Championship last season, the 25-year-old had spent all of his career in Italy between Varese and Palermo.
With close to 60 Serie A appearances under his belt, the Morocco international shouldn’t have too much trouble settling back into the league, and his versatility when it comes to playing down the left makes him an ideal alternative to Laxalt.
First, however, the Uruguayan needs to be sold.
