West Ham set to sign £23 million player who was compared to Lionel Messi

West Ham are ready to pay £23 million to Zenit Saint Petersburg and secure a deal for striker Sardar Azmoun this summer, according to Area Napoli. Daily Mail compared the player to football great Lionel Messi. David Moyes is keen to sign a striker this summer to add more competition for Sebastien Haller. Former Manchester United boss identified Azmoun as an ideal candidate for the role. Zenit Saint Petersburg have put a £23 million asking price on the striker's head and West Ham will have "no problem" paying it. However, they could face competition from Napoli. During the past 14 months, Azmoun, 25, has made 45 appearances for the Russian club, has scored 26 goals and has created 10 assists. He is 6ft 1in and he has proven himself at the highest level. Daily Mail even compared him to Messi. Source: hammers