Jan Ziółkowski has been mentioned as a target for West Ham this week and talk is now growing in Italy.
On Thursday, Sport Witness covered claims about the Pole’s future. Hammers interest was mentioned, with the defender struggling for game time at AS Roma this season.
He started a handful of games between December and January but that has changed. The centre-back has played only eight minutes in May, clearly becoming a bit-part player under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Newcastle United’s interest has also been mentioned as a suitor some weeks ago. But it seems like voices around West Ham are constantly growing.
Second source confirms interest
RomaGiallorossa report that the 20-year-old’s future lies increasingly away from Rome. There is every chance he leaves in the summer, especially as many clubs are looking at him closely.
His lack of game time has led to his entourage looking around for other options. As a result, West Ham are the most interested in the Poland international and they have been monitoring him for a while. Contact has been made and could develop quickly.
Previously, €25m has been mentioned as the Giallorossi’s asking price. This report mentions it could lie between €20m and €25m, which suggests that a discount could be available too. Regardless, it will go down as a capital gain for Roma, even if a percentage of that will go to Legia Warsaw as a resale fee.
The outlet are very confident that Ziółkowski will be one of the players leaving the Italian side.
Our take: Defender shouldn’t be rushed in
Ziółkowski did quite well when he played earlier this season, impressing Gasperini. The Italian’s setup is not something everyone adjusts to quickly but the youngster showed he can make the cut.
That says a lot about his quality, mentally and physically, and it should encourage West Ham.
That doesn’t mean he should be rushed in by them, if the Hammers do end up signing the defender. Ziółkowski has obvious potential, and has already played for the senior Polish national team.
But he needs to be used cautiously, especially if West Ham stay in the Premier League. Playing in the Championship can help the talent more, as he will operate under the radar and slowly establish himself in England.
