It came as a surprise to everyone when Felipe Anderson was announced as a West Ham players last summer.
The Brazilian winger was, at one point, one of the most highly rated players in world football, with talk of big bids from the likes of Manchester United seemingly a daily occurrence in the Italian and English media during Anderson’s peak of his hype.
Since moving to east London, though, Anderson has been an overwhelming success for the Hammers. With nine goals four assists in the Premier League, West Ham have found themselves a gem in the former Lazio winger, and now there is talk Manuel Pellegrini could be dipping his toes back into the Serie A for a winger.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Hammers are interested in AS Roma winger Stephan El Shaarawy, whose contract expires in 2020 and has been in fine form in the Italian capital this season with 10 goals and five assists in 24 appearances.
Valued at £23.4 million on Transfermarkt, the Italian international could be a coup for the Hammers, but what would the potential consequences be of such a deal?
Hammers hit gold yet again in Italy
West Ham found a gem in Anderson following his move from Lazio to east London, and El Shaarawy is likely to find the same level of success should he make the move to Pellegrini’s side.
El Shaarawy has been one of the most dangerous players in Italy since he broke through at AC Milan, and his flair and skill will be a major threat against most Premier League teams who come up against the Italian international.
The 26-year-old attacker might not have the same goal output as Anderson in his debut season, El Shaarawy will still find football in the Premier League to his level.
Snodgrass ditched for new toy
With the arrival of El Shaarawy, someone in the West Ham side will have to make way for the Italian, and Roberto Snodgrass will have to be that player.
The Scottish winger has been underwhelming since joining the Hammers from Hull 18 months ago for £10 million, and Pellegrini will probably have to bite the bullet and sell Snodgrass in order to facilitate room for El Shaarawy.