West Ham Have Agreed €32m Deal With Lazio for Keita Balde Diao But it Is Now Down to the Player
West Ham's pursuit of Lazio star Keita Balde Diao has taken a significant step forward with a deal worth up to €32m reportedly agreed with the Italian club's chairman, Claudio Lotito - however, it is now down to the player to make a decision on the move.
The Hammers are said to have entered negotiations with Lazio a few weeks ago, with their initial €20m offer for the highly-rated attacking midfielder rejected, but seemingly increasing with each passing day.
After reaching the €30m threshold held by the club for the breakthrough star - 16 goals and three assists last term - West Ham have all but agreed the transfer, €27.5m plus €5m bonus, bar the actual payment methods.
However, the deal looks to have been thrashed out under the radar as journalist Manuele Baiocchini revealed via Goal that the 22-year-old's agent, Roberto Calenda, has not yet been informed of the agreement.
It is a significant aspect of the deal and therefore means the move is anything but complete, but the Hammers are said to have committed to giving the Senegalese forward €3m per season, plus bonuses - six times his current contract with Lazio - in the hope of securing the move.
Inter Milan previously cited serious interest in the 22-year-old, with an official move for Diao now seemingly hung in the balance due to whether or not Ivan Perisic leaves for Manchester United.
It would leave the young star with a decision to make as his ability to develop will be highly considered in any move, with the choice seemingly Inter or West Ham.
