According to his agent, Mauro Zarate could be set to leave West Ham United when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
The Argentine forward signed a three-year deal with the Upton Park club during the summer, when he arrived from Velez Sarsfield for a second spell in England having previously had a loan stint with Birmingham City in 2008. Having been handed the number 10 shirt for the Hammers, the 27-year-old was expected to play a key role for Sam Allardyce’s side this season.
However, although the capital club are enjoying a fine start to the campaign, Zarate has cut a largely frustrated figure, scoring once in just four league appearances to date. His agent, Luis Ruzzi, has now bemoaned the fact that his client has not been used to his full ability, hinting that he could return to Italy where he has starred for Lazio and Internazionale in the past.
“At West Ham he plays behind the strikers and that is not his position,” he told Tuttomercatoweb. “He is a centre-forward and if there is a team willing to let him play in his natural role, then we’d be very happy to take their offer into consideration. Torino? It’s true, but not just them, as several other Italian clubs also enquired about him. Can Zarate return to Serie A? We’ll see, we’ll see.”
The way West Ham have started the season it may be difficult for Zarate to force his way into the starting XI. Allardyce’s side, who finished 13th last term, are currently in fourth position, although few expect them to remain there. But with Diafra Sakho (six goals), Enner Valencia (three) and Carlton Cole (two) also in contention, there is plenty of competition for places in attack.
