West Ham United are closing in on signing highly-rated Felipe Anderson from Lazio this summer according to reports. The fee could be in the somewhere around £35 million which will be a club record transfer. The Brazilian attacker is keen to move to the Premier League with the deal said to be completed before the end of this month.
Felipe Anderson has long been subjected to a move to London, with West Ham, in particular showing keen interest. The Brazilian, who has won only one cap for Brazil so far in his career will doubt be a great signing for the Premier League outfit.
Known for his influence in the final third, Anderson has been a consistent performer in the Serie A over the past few years. Since making a move to Lazio in the summer of 2013, Anderson has become a regular fixture in the Italian top flight, making over 175 competitive appearances for the Biancocelesti. He is yet to win a major trophy with Lazio but that being said, he was a part of the Brazilian team that won the 2015/16 Olympic medal.
Even though the Brazilian was largely utilised as a substitute throughout the course of last season, largely due to the presence of Senad Lulic and Luis Alberto, his offensive influence has remained the same. In 21 league outings last season, Felipe Anderson scored four goals whilst chipping in with seven assists, ultimately helping his club finish the season in the fifth spot.
West Ham, on the other hand, have had their fair share of troubles in recent seasons. Despite boasting a fairly decent squad, the Londoners have often failed to deliver to their potential. And lack of offensive thrust has been a key reason behind their demise, with the likes of Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez failing to perform consistently.
Felipe Anderson, in that regard, could be an exciting addition to the Hammers. Blessed with immense technical qualities coupled with his sublime dribbling skills, the Brazilian attacker is an excellent operator in the final third. Aside from his offensive traits, he is also aware when it comes to defensive phases, having topped the list for most tackles won in the Serie A last season.
Therefore, the acquisition of this highly rated attacker could definitely revitalise West Ham’s dire attacking department whilst compensating for the loss of Manuel Lanzini, who will miss a chunk of next season after rupturing his cruciate ligament.
