There will be no loan move to West Ham for Juventus striker Simone Zaza this summer, according to his agent.
Slaven Bilic confirmed at his press conference this morning that the Hammers were interested in signing the former Sassuolo striker before next week’s transfer deadline and that talks were ongoing.
However, his father, who is also his agent, has confirmed West Ham’s interest in his son but has ruled out a loan move, stating that if he were to leave Turin this summer it would only be for a permanent transfer.
“I’m not aware that there’s also Southampton, because no-one from there has ever spoken with us.” Antonio Zaza told Calciomercato (h/t Football Italia).
“West Ham have been following him for a long time, it’s a great club but I have to stress one thing: if Simone leaves Juventus, he’ll only do it outright. We’re not going to accept a loan.”
Antonio also reveals that Simone wishes to stay in Serie A, but has put an end to claims linking him with AC Milan.
“Milan? Simone has always said he wants to stay in Italy. Milan have other problems to solve right now though, so there was never anything with them.”
The club leading the race for Zaza is Napoli, who have agreed a €28m deal for his transfer should the be able to offload Manolo Gabbiadini, who has also been linked with the Hammers as well as Everton and West Brom.
Speaking on the links to Napoli, Antonio has stated that developments could be made soon.
“Yes, it’s true that we spoke to the (Napoli) sporting director (Cristiano) Giuntoli at length yesterday,” Antonio Zaza confirmed.
“Napoli are willing to get serious about Simone. It’s an option that we’re following very carefully.
“Developments? Even in the coming hours, why not? We’re waiting for Napoli.”
