West Ham United have made an approach for a new Serie A winger, and interestingly, Niclas Fullkrug could hold the key to any potential transfer.
The Hammers have already undergone change out wide ahead of the Championship season. The departure of Crysencio Summerville has left a big hole in West Ham’s attack after the Dutchman was sold in a big-money move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Keiber Lamadrid has signed on a permanent deal at the London Stadium, however, there remains a feeling that a new experienced winger is needed for Nuno Espirito Santo. That has brought Lazio winger Matteo Cancellieri into the picture, with the Italian emerging as a London Stadium target in recent days.
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Matteo Cancellieri’s career so far |
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|---|---|---|
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Youth career |
Until 2020 |
Developed in Roma’s academy before moving to Hellas Verona to continue his progression. |
|
Senior breakthrough |
2021–2022 |
Made his Serie A breakthrough with Hellas Verona, scoring two goals in 14 appearances. |
|
First Lazio spell |
2022–2023 |
Joined Lazio initially on loan and made 30 appearances, including 10 European appearances. |
|
Empoli loan |
2023–2024 |
Played regularly in Serie A, making 36 league appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists. |
|
Parma loan |
2024–2025 |
Continued gaining top-flight experience with 27 Serie A appearances and three goals. |
|
Lazio return |
2025-present |
Returned to Lazio and produced four goals in 28 Serie A appearances last season. |
|
Italy debut |
2022 |
Earned his first senior Italy cap against Germany in the Nations League in 2022. |
West Ham make approach for Cancellieri
According to reports related by Sport Witness, West Ham have made an approach for Cancellieri.
The 24-year-old is a ‘candidate’ to leave Lazio before the deadline and has been linked with a move to Celtic, but it is the Irons who have been in contact over a deal.
An interesting factor in the negotiations that could also help West Ham is Fullkrug. The report claims the striker’s entourage have actually offered the German striker to Lazio in recent weeks and that Fullkrug would be keen on another stint in Italy after his loan spell with AC Milan last season.
However, Lazio are yet to take up Fullkrug’s representatives on this offer, but with West Ham now keen on Cancellieri, it could be something to keep an eye on later in the window.
It’s easy to see why Nuno and West Ham are interested in Cancellieri, though. He recorded four goals and two assists for Lazio last season and during his career, has regularly been asked to fill different attacking roles on both wings or as a second striker.
That versatility could make him an excellent addition to West Ham’s squad, providing Nuno with far greater tactical flexibility across a long Championship season.
At 24, the Italian also fits West Ham’s recruitment model. He already possesses Serie A experience while still having room to develop further, making him an attractive option as the Hammers look to blend youth with players capable of making an immediate impact.
Should talks materialise after the initial approach, Cancellieri could become the wide player Nuno has been searching for following Summerville’s departure.
