Just in-David Moyes makes big statement on Gianluca Scamacca’s West Ham future as speculation swirls

David Moyes has made a big statement on Gianluca Scamacca’s West Ham future as speculation swirls over the Italian striker.

West Ham boss David Moyes and Declan Rice are not the only ones who find themselves the subject of almost daily speculation regarding their futures at the end of the season.

There has been a stream of claims about striker Gianluca Scamacca too.

When West Ham spent £35m to bring Scamacca to the London Stadium last summer it seemed like the perfect signing.

But after just 11 Premier League starts for the Hammers, the 6ft 5in Italian is being heavily linked with a move back to his homeland.

Scamacca is dividing opinion among some Hammers fans.

£35m man heavily linked with return to Italy

Many believe the club should keep hold of Scamacca and give him another chance to prove his worth next season.

Others think Scamacca is not suited to a team like West Ham, who – under Moyes at least – need a hard-working, powerful all-rounder in the Michail Antonio mould up front.

Moyes had publicly criticised the 6ft 5in forward, calling for him to do more and improve his fitness before his season was ended when he required a knee operation.

But the Scot has also insisted Scamacca is not a bad apple, insisting he is a ‘good boy’.

Sometimes, as West Ham saw with Sebastien Haller, a player just does not fit at a certain club. Whether it is the system, playing style, the league – whatever it may be.

David Moyes makes big statement on Gianluca Scamacca’s West Ham future as speculation swirls
The forward has been linked with a summer move to six of Serie A’s biggest clubs with AC Milan and Juventus seemingly most seriously interested.

Scamacca has been back and forth to Italy as part of his recovering from the knee operation which ended his season. He was back in town for the last home game of the season, though.

He was seen at the London Stadium for the lap of honour and many felt that may be the last time he is seen at West Ham.

Not if you read between the lines of his manager’s latest comments, though.

Because Moyes appears to have made a big statement on Scamacca’s West Ham future as speculation swirls.

‘Hopefully he’ll be back…’

Speaking in his pre-Leicester press conference, Moyes was speaking like a man who is planning to have the forward at the club next season.

“Gianluca Scamacca is still recovering from his knee operation,” Moyes said.

“I don’t think he’s too far away now, but not quite close enough (to come back this season).

“He had his operation about four weeks ago and he’s still got a few weeks of rehab to do but hopefully he’ll be back ready at the start of pre-season.”

It seems Moyes – and Scamacca – may be sticking around next season after all.