Nice forward Mario Balotelli is close to sealing a move to Marseille with a medical expected to take place today.
Reports in Italy had suggested that West Ham had been interested in signing the former Manchester City and Liverpool striker.
However, it seems that the Hammers were not looking to sign Balotelli and with the Italian’s move to Marseille close to being finalised, there is a sense of relief among supporters:
Think we dodged a bullet there to be honest , I’d rather we give Xande Silva a few games and spend on Gomez in the summer.
— Paul Saw ⚒ (@72Sawry) 22 January 2019
Thank god
— Rob Holloway (@robhollo) 23 January 2019
Phew!
— Al Moodie (@almoodie_13) 22 January 2019
Thank god had our fill of petulant players
— West HamFamily, COYI (@Smackit0) 22 January 2019
Hooray ? ?
— Gary ⚒ #BigFatGary (@gdl999) 22 January 2019
Result
— paolo di (@paolodi3) 22 January 2019
no need to spend this window. we won’t go down and better players will be available in the summer
— Dave Large (@mrlargeit) 22 January 2019
I’m a tiny bit gutted about this, won’t lie ??
— Ben Hick (@MrBenHick) 22 January 2019
Let someone else take a chance on the headbanger.
— Al Bundy (@AlBundy37279026) 22 January 2019
With Marko Arnautovic now expected to stay, at least until the summer, a move for another striker this month is unlikely.
Balotelli has scored his fair share of goals during his time in France (43 in 76 games for Nice), but his abrasive personality would likely have caused disruption in the West Ham dressing room.
Nice manager Patrick Vieira’s relationship with the 28-year-old has completely broken down, leading to his impending move to Marseille and Hammers fans think that it was wise to steer clear of the Italian.
