Pedro Obiang is regularly touted as one of the many flops on their way out of the London Stadium this summer, and Football Insider are now claiming the Spanish-born midfielder is intent on forcing a move.
The 27-year-old had been the subject of interest bid in the winter, when Fiorentina looked to offer the former Sampdoria star a route back to the Serie A. Giulio Meozzi, the agent brought in to broker the deal, later revealed, however, that Manuel Pellegrini stepped in at the final moment to bring a halt to negotiations. It was not a case of the rumoured fee being inadequate for a fringe option, but rather that he was not available for a transfer due to the uncertainty over Marko Arnautovic’s future.
While the Austrian’s situation remains unresolved as the end of the season nears, perhaps Obiang’s desire to leave could make the chances of an exit more likely.
Football Insider are claiming a source close to the Equatorial Guinea international has told them that Obiang is eager for a new challenge, having played 28 games for the Hammers this season, but has only started 16 of those – the last of which came when we lost to Everton, and he was hauled off at half-time.
Much like in January, a return to Italy would be the likeliest destination for Obiang. Although, with the 2015 signing’s contract in East London running until 2022, the Alcala de Henares-born anchor will have to hope a similar offer to Fiorentina’s January bid is presented.
Whilst losing him would be a blow to our squad depth, it must be said that the prospect of an exit isn’t of huge concern. We’re a team on the up, and we can deal with it if he decides to depart.
