West Ham announce acquisition of Italy international Angelo Ogbonna

West Ham United (15/8 with Coral for a top 10 finish) have beaten several top clubs to the signature of Juventus centre back Angelo Ogbonna, securing the Italy international to a four-year contract at Upton Park for a reported fee of around £8.5m.

BREAKING: The Hammers are delighted to confirm the transfer of Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus http://t.co/P19XrbnaN2 pic.twitter.com/Y9XcjIOehv

— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) July 10, 2015

Speaking of his move, Ogbonna told media: “I am delighted to have joined the club. I wanted to play in the Premier League and am happy to be in London. My heart told me that the right decision was to play for West Ham United.

“I cannot wait to start working under Mr Bilic and with my new team-mates. I feel ready for this new adventure.”

Everton were just one of the teams rumoured to be tracking the former Torino defender, who made the leap across town to bitter city rivals Juve in 2013, but failed to cement a regular starting spot with the Old Lady, who have the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, captain Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in his position.

Powerful Ogbonna still made 25 Serie A appearances last season, though he featured for a full 90 minutes on just 17 occasions, and also had to watch the Old Lady lose a Champions League final against Barcelona from the bench, despite Chiellini’s injury.

With young-gun Daniele Rugani also set to compete at centre half next season, the writing was on the wall for Ogbonna, who will add much-needed pace and physicality to the Hammers’ rearguard.