The agent of River Plate right-back Gonzalo Montiel has said he is expecting West Ham to return with another bid for the Argentinian international when the transfer window opens.
The Hammers failed with a loan offer back in January, and, while there had been doubts over whether the London club could now afford the fullback, Marcelo Carracedo says the player may well be available at a knockdown price:
“There are several teams that have called and are interested in Montiel. West Ham already sent an offer in January and I think they’ll also make one in this market. And on the Italian side, an offer could also come.”
“It’s still an early phase of the market. The leagues are starting and it depends on how they end if they qualify for the cups or not. Clearly, now paying US$20 million is impossible. ”
“The player is worth what they pay. When they ask me what he costs, I tell them that the clause is this. Tell me how much you want to pay you and we negotiate with River. Before the pandemic, there was talk of 10 or 12 million euros, but I think that number will be difficult.”
Montiel’s $20m (£16m) release clause would certainly have been too steep for West Ham, and if he is indeed available for below €10m (£9m), manager David Moyes would likely be keen on snapping him up.
Pablo Zabaleta will leave the London Stadium at the end of the season and, following confirmation of Jeremy Ngakia’s exit, a right-back will need to be brought in.
With Montiel still only 23 years of age, and available at a low price, he would most likely be a top target if the Irons maintain their top-flight status.
