West Ham are driving a hard bargain for midfielder Pedro Obiang, rejecting an increased bid from Sampdoria of €10.5 million.
Asking for a fee of €11 million, Sport Witness report that Manuel Pellegrini’s side have once again changed their position, now demanding €12.5 million.
Arriving at West Ham prior to the 2015-16 season, Obiang became a familiar face in the first team first at Upton Park, and later the London Stadium.
Making 87 appearances for the Hammers in three years, it seems as though the defensive midfielder is unlikely to be included in Pellegrini’s plans.
New signings have arrived in East London throughout the summer, including central midfielder Jack Wilshere on a free transfer.
With links suggesting the Irons might be preparing a move for Danny Drinkwater, the repeated stalling of the deal may be indicative of Pellegrini’s desire to acquire the Spaniard’s replacement before he bids farewell.
Obiang had been at Sampdoria for seven years before his move to London, and would return to Italy on a permanent basis.
