Federico Gatti makes decision after West Ham United approach to Juventus

According to an Italian source on Saturday, July 13, West Ham United, Everton, and Newcastle United have all made approaches for Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti. However, the 26-year-old Italy international has rejected all three Premier League proposals.

West Ham United’s struggle to strengthen their defense continues. Despite manager Julen Lopetegui securing Wolves’ Max Kilman this summer, much work remains at the London Stadium. The Hammers started the transfer window by failing to sign Flamengo’s Fabricio Bruno due to differences in personal terms, as reported by ESPN Brasil.

The current defensive trio of Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, and Konstantinos Mavropanos faced heavy criticism throughout the 2023/24 campaign and are now linked with moves away from the capital. With Angelo Ogbonna no longer available as a backup option after his contract expired, the remaining defenders are considering their futures.

Gatti, who joined Juventus in 2022 from Frosinone, has made 63 senior appearances in Italy and has been involved with the national team. His experience and composure would have been valuable additions to West Ham’s backline. Nevertheless, Gatti has decided to stay at Juventus, despite significant interest from the Premier League, and is unlikely to leave the Allianz Stadium.

West Ham’s defensive issues are evident, having conceded more goals than only Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United in the Premier League last season. Lopetegui faces a substantial challenge to improve the defense before the 2024/25 campaign begins.

In other West Ham news, there are behind-the-scenes discussions between Julen Lopetegui and Danny Ings regarding the latter’s potential club exit.