Long-standing West Ham United target Gonzalo Montiel has thrilled River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo by signing a new contract, as reported by Marca.
If you felt a slight breeze rippling through the air last night, that was probably the almighty sigh of relief emanating from everyone at El Monumental.
Amid alleged interest from Lyon, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and the odd Premier League outfit, Montiel has agreed a one-year extension to his River Plate contract.
This does not mean the Argentine international right-back will not be heading to Europe in the near future. Just that, when Montiel does eventually depart, cash-strapped River will not be left short-changed by a player who, until he put pen to paper yesterday, was due to become a free agent in July.
“I want to give a lot of credit to Montiel’s decision because it is not easy, especially when we are in an environment that, in general, has a tendency to seek profit,” Gallardo, the most highly-rated tactician in South American football, explained.
“(The new contract) speaks well of him. He is a person of tremendous values.
“He could have left but he loves the club, above all, and he took a very loyal stance towards River and that makes me happy.”
Gallardo did admit that Montiel is likely to attract plenty of offers in the summer too, even if his £18 million release-clause looks a little steep in the pandemic era.
West Ham have been interested for over a year now and, according to El Intransigente, made their interest known again a few weeks ago.
Manuel Lanzini, the Hammers’ Argentine play-maker, even confirmed last year that the Premier League high-flyers had enquired about his fellow Albiceleste ace (Ole).
But if West Ham were planning to sign Montiel on a free next summer, they will be disappointed.
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