West Ham United face a big problem with Tottenham Hotspur eyeing up one specific summer transfer.
Both West Ham and Tottenham need to make some big statement signings this summer, with Graham Potter and Ange Postecoglou in desperate need of some real characters.
Hammers head coach Potter is said to be planning a big squad overhaul at the London Stadium this summer.
And boy do we need it.
However, with funds believed to be tight at the London Stadium, Potter is said to be chasing bargain basement deals.
Moves for soon-to-be free agents Angel Gomes and Jonathan David are being touted for West Ham in the summer.
If we somehow manage to sign those two players, our central midfield and centre-forward departments will be significantly stronger.
However, Potter will need to bolster his centre-back ranks at the London Stadium in the summer window as well.
The problem for the Hammers boss is that Tottenham manager Postecoglou is very much in the same boat.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
West Ham blow as Tottenham could sign Federico Gatti
Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti is said to be on the radars of both West Ham and Tottenham ahead of the summer window, according to a report from TV Play.
The Hammers were actually linked with a move to sign the 26-year-old centre-back in the summer of 2023, but he remained with the Turin giants in the end.
Described as ‘extraordinary’ by his teammate Danilo (Juve FC), the 26-year-old is a top-class centre-back.
I think he’d be a great addition to Potter’s ranks at the London Stadium, so Spurs’ interest in signing him will obviously be an inconvenience for us.
Amazingly, he worked as a bricklayer as a teenager and on into his early 20’s, whilst playing semi-pro football at the same time.
Gatti has scored one goal in 24 Serie A games for Juventus this season. During those appearances, the defender has averaged one tackle, three clearances and 1.4 successful aerial duels per match.
He has made 55.4 passes per game and has recorded a hugely impressive completion rate of 95.3% (Who Scored).
Crucially, Gatti has the physical capabilities to succeed in the Premier League.
He’s strong as an ox and is incredibly tenacious and aggressive in the tackle.
Federico Gatti would be a great signing for West Ham, but I fear that Tottenham may well beat us to his signature in the summer transfer window.
West Ham and Tottenham fighting for another top-class signing
Jonathan David will be available on a free transfer this summer, when his contract with Lille expires.
West Ham are pushing hard to sign the 25-year-old striker, but Spurs want him as well unfortunately.
The Hammers are crying out for more pace through the middle.
David would be absolutely perfect for Potter’s system, and his elite finishing and movement would take us to another level entirely.
Tottenham chasing his signature will make things very hard for West Ham though.
If I had to choose one signing out of Gatti and David, I would pick the striker all day long, and let Tottenham have the centre-back!
That’s not diminishing Gatti’s quality – he’d be a top-class signing for us. However, Jonathan David is edging towards world-class and his signing could be a transcending one for the Hammers.