West Ham United have now joined the race to sign Atalanta attacking midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi.

What’s the news?

That’s according to French journalist Ignazio Genuardi, who took to Twitter to provide an update on the future of the Serie A midfielder.

"In lack of playing time with #Atalanta #Bergame, #Malinovskyi remains targeted by #Marseille , but the Ukrainian retains a preference for the PL, where Tottenham and West Ham are particularly interested.

“Moreover, the cost of such a deal appears problematic (15-20 M €).”

Malinovskyi has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur for quite some time now but it appears they face competition to secure his signature, especially with West Ham and Marseille interested.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, West Ham could sign him for just £17m and this represents excellent value.

Manuel Lanzini upgrade

David Moyes’ side haven’t quite experienced the highs of last season so far this term, winning just four Premier League matches and scoring a paltry 12 goals, it’s clear the team requires an attacking spark.

Moyes spent big on Lucas Paqueta in the summer, however, the Brazilian hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, failing to score in eight league matches. The Scot will be keen on adding some competition in the attacking midfield position and Malinovskyi could be a big upgrade on Lanzini.

The Argentinian has featured in just five Premier League matches this term, failing to score or assist, although he does have two goals in the Europa Conference League.

His contract expires at the end of the campaign and unless he improves during the second half of the season, it is unlikely he remains at the club beyond next summer.

Malinovskyi hasn’t had as big an impact this season as he did last term, scoring just once and providing two assists so far in Serie A, but if he can recapture his 2021/2022 form, Moyes could have an excellent player on his hands.

In 30 league matches, the Ukrainian registered ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) while also creating a further 13 big chances and making 1.5 key passes per game, proving how much of an attacking threat he can be.

Compare this to Lanzini, who created just three big chances last season along with 0.8 key passes per match, the Atlanta star is clearly a much better attacking option.

Indeed, he was dubbed an “animal” by journalist Fernando Evangelio and with the player actively wanting a move to England, Moyes must strike in January as it could be the move that revives West Ham’s season.