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Manuel Pellegrini unfazed by West Ham's lack of activity in January transfer window

Despite interest in Besiktas midfielder Gary Medel, Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez and Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi among others, the Hammers attempts to sign anyone were in vein

Bradley West
Friday 01 February 2019 17:37 GMT
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Manuel Pellegrini has insisted he is satisfied with West Ham’s January transfer window despite the club not making a single addition to their first-team squad.

Former Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri joined the club on New Years Eve but, despite interest in Besiktas midfielder Gary Medel, Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez and Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi among others, the Hammers attempts to sign anyone were in vein.

West Ham had earlier agreed terms on signing Batshuayi on loan before the striker instead moved to Crystal Palace.

Concerning interest in veteran Medel, Pellegrini outlined the club’s enquiries ended when they were told the Chile international was no longer available on a free, after originally being told he was.

“I am not frustrated because all the names came from the media,” Pellegrini said.

"We didn't have interest to bring new players here unless we sold a player. The only interest was that, if we sold a player, but we have a squad which can play the last 14 games of the season.

“The only player we were interested in was Gary Medel because we were told he was free, but he was not free.

“We have a squad, we have injuries but we will work with this squad until the end of the season.”

Earlier this week Pablo Zabaleta admitted the speculation over Marko Arnautovic’s future at the club had created a “bad atmosphere” and today Pellegrini reinforced that view.

Pellegrini said: “I agree with Pablo, but not only about Marko Arnautovic.

“A lot of clubs offer players a lot of money but they don't want to pay for those players, so the players want to go and their performances aren't the same.

“Now the window has closed, all of our players will be focused on our targets."

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