After only one season in rossoneri colours, it seems Carlos Bacca is ready to move on as the Hammers prepare a 20 million swoop for the striker. English clubs Arsenal and Manchester United who are also in the market for a striker in July were reportedly monitoring the striker.
According to Sky Sports Italia, West Ham have launched a 20 million euro bid for Columbian ace Carlos Bacca who joined Milan last year from Sevilla, after winning back to back Europa Leagues with Unai Emery. Gianluca Di Marzio says that Milan have made a counter offer of 25 million euros for the 29 year old striker from Puerto, Columbia. West Ham CEO David Sullivan had confirmed earlier this week that the London side was looking for “a £30m striker”, and Bacca appears to fit the bill.
What the player wants
Carlos Bacca does not enjoy the best of relationships with coach Christian Brocchi if reports are to be believed. On one occasion, Bacca had openly expressed his dissatisfaction after being replaced in the 70th minute against Carpi by frenchman Jeremy Menez.
Despite scoring 18 goals this season and pledging his future to Milan on many occasions, Bacca has had a topsy turvey relationship with fellow rossoneri players and perhaps feels that the club is holding him back. Retiring goalkeeper Christian Abbiati had recently confirmed that there were tensions in the Milan dressing room following a dismal month of results for Milan (via Rossoneriblog).
It would now seem that Bacca has given his okay for the move as long as he does not have to take a pay cut from the 4 million euros a year that Milan pays him.
What the future might hold
Arsenal were looking to add a striker to their ranks but it looks like they will not enter a bidding war with fellow Londoners and have instead set their sights on Juventus’ Alvaro Morata, who is all set for a temporary Real Madrid return. Rivals United also have shown interest and are keeping tabs on the situation.
At the moment, however, it looks likely that Milan will cash in on the striker who is on the wrong end of his 20s, despite him being one of the very few positives of the season. His 18 goals were instrumental in helping Milan to an 8th place finish this season, but clearly the rossoneri were hoping more out of Bacca.
