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West Ham back in for River Plate’s Argentinian right-back

By Henry Tomlinson

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - FEBRUARY 02: Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate fights for the ball with Cristian Vega of Central Cordoba during a match between River Plate and Central Cordoba de Santiago del Estero as part of Superliga 2019/20 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on February 2, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - FEBRUARY 02: Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate fights for the ball with Cristian Vega of Central Cordoba during a match between River Plate and Central Cordoba de Santiago del Estero as part of Superliga 2019/20 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on February 2, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) /
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West Ham is battling Leeds united for Argentina right-back Gonzalo Montiel, and now it seems the Hammers have made a bid for the player.

Following the departures of Pablo Zabaleta and Jeremy Ngakia, West Ham are in the market for a new right-back. The Hammers currently have Ben Johnson and Ryan Fredericks as options, but both seem prone to injury. So investing in a Montiel may be a shrewd move.

According to Goal David Moyes has made an offer of £6.7 for the River Plate defender. Although this will only cover 80% of the player’s rights, 20% of Gonzalo Montiel is owned by a third party. West Ham knows all too well the issues that can arise if this is not addressed. Back in 2006, the Hammers were fined £15 million because of the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, due to their third party ownership.

River Plate does have a release clause set on Montiel of closer to £18 million, but due to the financial climate caused by Coronavirus, they will have to accept a much lower figure. This opportunity will suit the Hammers perfectly as they seem drained of transfer funds and are on the lookout for a bargain.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MARCH 11: Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate gestures after receives a foul during a Group D match between River Plate and Deportivo Binacional as part of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2020 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on March 11, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MARCH 11: Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate gestures after receives a foul during a Group D match between River Plate and Deportivo Binacional as part of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2020 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on March 11, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) /

The 23-year-old has had a decent season in Argentina, playing nineteen times and assisting three goals. Due to this impressive form, he has been called up the national side and has even featured four times. These appearances for Argentina should help with. the inevitable ‘work permit’ issues that can arise from signing players from

South America.

According to Whoscored, Montiel comes up quite well against Fredericks, the argentine has better dribbling and interception stats and fouls less than the Englishman. Montiel’s tackling and clearances are weaker than Fredericks, but that could be down to the fact the West Ham man has been the busier of the two.

dark. Next. Three budget left backs that could solve West Ham’s issues

With David Sullivan’s draw to South American talent, it would be no surprise to see a player like Montiel arrive at the London Stadium. Especially for the price that has been reported.

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