West Ham United's midfield was completely overrun in their defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend. Freddie Potts had to be taken off at half-time, whilst Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes did not have the best of games.
Potts is only 22, so he still has a lot of potential. There are doubts about whether Tomas Soucek's contract will be extended beyond 2027. Fernandes, who has recently been called up by Portugal, is being linked with some top sides, including Manchester United.
The Hammers also have Soungoutou Magassa, who came on at the break against Villa. However, the middle of the park definitely needs strengthening. Fussballdaten has reported that Aleix Garcia, of Bayer Leverkusen, is a target of Atletico Madrid, but (translated from German) "The most serious suitor outside of Spain is West Ham United. The London club, which already explored interest in García last summer, continues to closely monitor his physical development and his adaptation to the high pace of the Bundesliga."
Does West Ham United have a chance of signing Aleix Garcia?
Garcia has been in fine form for Leverkusen this season. He has scored twice and set up seven goals in 27 Bundesliga games. He also found the back of the net twice in 12 Champions League games, as his side made it to the last 16 before losing to Arsenal. The midfielder has also helped Leverkusen make it to the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal, where they will play Bayern Munich.
Of course, when up against Atletico Madrid, who are currently fourth in La Liga, it would appear that West Ham's chances of signing him are slim. However, Garcia may want to prove a point in English soccer.
After coming through the ranks at Villareal, Garcia joined Manchester City. However, he played just nine times for City and was sent on loan to Girona and Royal Excel Mouscron. He then joined Dinamo București before playing for Eibar, Girona again, and now Leverkusen.
Garcia has eight caps for Spain, but was not included in their roster for the current international break. As the Premier League is considered the best division in the world, Garcia may want another crack at it. However, at 28, this would likely be his last chance to make the move.