Paolo Di Canio knows what it takes to light up the Premier League in claret and blue.
The charismatic Italian scored 51 goals during his time at West Ham United, cementing his place as one of the club’s most memorable modern forwards and ranking third in their all-time Premier League scoring charts, behind only Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.
Now, Di Canio has pointed towards a prolific striker from his homeland as a potential option for the Hammers this summer.
Di Canio Touts West Ham for Vlahovic
According to comments relayed in Italy via Bianconera News, Dušan Vlahović could find a lucrative opportunity at the London Stadium if he decides to leave Juventus.
The Serbian forward is approaching the end of his contract in Turin, with renewal talks reportedly stalling over wage demands that Juventus are reluctant to meet. As things stand, he is expected to become a free agent in the summer.
That situation has sparked speculation across Europe — and Di Canio believes Premier League clubs, including West Ham, would have the financial muscle to tempt him.
Di Canio’s Premier League Claim
Offering his assessment, Di Canio suggested England — and specifically West Ham — could provide the kind of salary Vlahovic is seeking.
“Vlahovic is leaving, let’s prepare today,” he said. “Maybe he understands that at the end of the year, given what he’s done at a great level, even on a free transfer but with the salary he has, and he’s not asking for a million, who will take him?
“Unless he goes to England, where a mid-table team because they have a name will give him €8-10m, which they can spend. West Ham will easily pay €6m for their players.
“He wants to gain experience, but he’s not going there to win. If, on the other hand, he wants to stay at a club that aims to climb the ladder, win in Italy and in the Cups, you too must accept not taking much.”
While the remarks appear partly aimed at highlighting the Premier League’s spending power, they inevitably place West Ham in the conversation.
Vlahovic — once described as “one of the strongest forwards in Europe” by his former coach Cesare Prandelli — has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most physically imposing and technically accomplished forwards. Yet despite that reputation, the queue of elite suitors has not formed as many might have expected.
If an opportunity truly arises on a free transfer, it could test West Ham’s ambition — though much may depend on their league status and financial position by season’s end.
