Antonio Vergara has emerged as a key player for Napoli over the past few weeks. The Italian was a target for West Ham in the January transfer window.
Hype around the 22-year-old has grown in recent days. He scored a delightful goal against Chelsea in the Champions League last week. Some days later, he also scored for Napoli against Fiorentina. Vergara also assisted in an important 2-1 win.
While playing deeper in midfield, he picked up an assist in a Coppa Italia game back in December. Importantly for Antonio Conte, Vergara’s rise has come during an injury crisis. It has also played a role in keeping Napoli in the title race.
AreaNapoli now report that West Ham came calling for the versatile attacking player in the last few days of the winter window.
West Ham offer came at wrong time
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side put forward a €20m offer to sign him. This bid was promptly rejected by Napoli, who see Vergara as an ‘unsellable’ player.
Besides, the Partenopei couldn’t really afford to lose another attacker. David Neres is out of action due to injury. Noa Lang has been moved on to Galatasaray. Matteo Politano is also out and so is Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. Lorenzo Lucca, who was linked to West Ham in December, moved to Nottingham Forest.
That is why selling Vergara to West Ham would’ve made no sense.
This can also help Napoli establish a high price tag for the Italian. This is his first full season in Serie A, having spent loans at Reggiana and Pro Verceli. His value is now rising but he still has a long way to go to fully establish himself.
Vergara could be someone to keep a close eye on, especially if he continues to feature regularly.