River Plate are expecting West Ham to make a move for Gonzalo Montiel once again in the summer, according to a report from Argentinian media outlet TNT Sports.
The Hammers 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.
River refused that alleged offer, however.
Argentine publication El Intransigente suggest that Montiel has a £13.1 million release clause – one that could rise to £17.5 million if it is still yet to be triggered heading into the final 10 days of the transfer window.
And in today’s market, that would have to be considered as decent value.
TNT Sports are now claiming that River Plate are expecting West Ham to make a move for the South American defender once again in the summer.
Stats
Montiel has racked up two assists in 18 league appearances for River this season (Transfermarkt).
In those 18 outings, the 23-year-old 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.
According to Talents Hunter, the Argentine is an aggressive defender and has plenty of pace. He is also incredibly explosive. So it seems as though he’s ideally suited to the Premier League.
Montiel is at an age where he will surely go on to improve with experience.
And if West Ham manage to pick him up for just £13.1 million, it could end up looking like a real steal for the east London outfit.
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