Manuel Lanzini has told Argentine media outlet Ole that he has spoken with River Plate ace Gonzalo Montiel about joining West Ham. The Hammers star also suggested that he nows David Moyes wants to sign his countryman.
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West Ham allegedly attempted to sign the 23-year-old Argentine in January, according to TyC, who claim that the east London outfit made a £400,000 loan offer for the right-back, with an option to buy for £8.3 million in the summer.
And more recently, Infobae claimed that West Ham approached Montiel’s agent with an offer for his client, although it was not a formal one.
David Moyes might just be in the market for a new right-back in the summer.
Ryan Fredericks has failed to impress since joining West Ham in the summer of 2018. And it would be foolhardy to put too much pressure on talented youngster Jeremy Ngakia too soon.
Lanzini spoke to Ole, and suggested that he has spoken to Montiel about moving to the London Stadium:
“I think Montiel would fit well at West Ham. I know they have looked at him and could not bring him. He asked me, I spoke to him, and told him the coach (Moyes) likes to play with three or five defenders behind.”
Stats
Montiel has racked up three assists in 20 league appearances for River this season (Transfermarkt).
In those 18 outings, the four-capped Argentina international has won 1.5 aerial duals on average per game. He has also averaged two tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.3 clearances in those matches.
Infobae claims that the 23-year-old has a €20 million (£18 million) release clause inserted into his current contract with River Plate.
That might just represent excellent value for West Ham.
And perhaps Lanzini can aid the Hammers in the chase for Montiel.