As per Portuguese outlet Desporto, West Ham and Arsenal are both interested in the services of Sporting Lisbon right-back Cristiano Piccini, and will likely do battle to land him in the winter or next summer transfer window.
Despite just switching Real Betis for Lisbon few months ago, the Italy youth international can still be prised away for the right fee, as the lure of Premier League football might be too tempting to be turned down.
The Hammers and Gunners are said to have both scouted Piccini, and have been impressed by what they have seen thus far.
Despite just assisting once in all 8 league games the 25-year-old has played for Lisbon, his dribbling and level of concentration have been evident to see, and his overall work-rate too is said to be enviable.
West Ham brought in 32-year-old Pablo Zabaleta during the summer window, and he has played every minute of the league campaign thus far.
While Sam Byram remains a capable backup, Piccini is seen as an upgrade on him and a long-term replacement for the ageing Argentine.
Apart from the competition the Hammers have in Arsenal for his signature, the Italian defender is bound to command a hefty transfer fee considering he still has 4 years left on his deal at Lisbon.
