West Ham’s pursuit of Juventus defender Federico Gatti has suddenly become more complicated, according to the latest reports from Italy.
The Hammers have had a long-term interest in signing Gatti, dating back to the summer transfer window of 2023.
While a deal between the two clubs has never materialised, it had looked as though it could finally happen at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Unfortunately for West Ham, AC Milan have just made the prospect of Gatti moving to East London a lot less likely.
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Malick Diouf playing for West Ham against Newcastle United. Mateus Fernandes playing for West Ham against Tottenham.
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AC Milan have advantage over West Ham in Federico Gatti race
Gatti joined Juventus from Frosinone in 2022 and has been an important player for The Old Lady over the last four campaigns.
However, the Italian international has fallen down the pecking order under Luciano Spalletti this season.
Having missed seven Serie A games with a meniscus injury over the winter, Gatti has started just two of the last 10.
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Spalletti currently prefers Lloyd Kelly and Bremer as their central defensive pairing, with Pierre Kalulu as the third in a back three.
Federico Gatti of Juventus controls the ball during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC
Photo by Filippo Alfero – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
This has opened the door for Gatti to leave in the summer, with West Ham potentially among the clubs interested in his services.
Another option is European giant AC Milan, where the 27-year-old would reunite with former Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Gatti “would be happy” to work with Allegri again and is “firmly considering” a move to Milan.
The Rossoneri would likely offer an initial loan with an option to buy Gatti that would become mandatory if certain conditions are met.
West Ham would clearly be at a disadvantage in negotiations with Gatti’s representatives, given his existing relationship with Allegri.
Perhaps they will have to turn their attention elsewhere, if they had not already, with OH Leuven’s Roggerio Nyakossi being a viable option.
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