Long-standing West Ham United target Gonzalo Montiel thinks ‘it is time’ to leave River Plate, his agent Marcelo Carracedo has told La Oral Deportiva, via Ole.
After six months of talks behind the scenes, it seems that an Argentine international right-back is closing in on a move that will see him replace, well, an Argentine international right-back at the London Stadium.
Pablo Zabaleta is expected to retire this summer and West Ham have identified his highly-rated compatriot as the ideal successor.
Marca claimed this week that David Moyes’s side had a £6.5 million bid rejected.
But with River Plate hit hard by an ongoing financial crisis and under pressure to raise funds, the 2018 Copa Libertadores champions are expected to sell if they receive an offer closer to £9 million.
And with Montiel seemingly setting his heart on a move away from his homeland, West Ham could finally get a man they have been scouting since 2019.
“Gonzalo thinks by age that it is time to make the leap to Europe,” his agent says. “It is essential that (Montiel) goes to one of the biggest leagues.
“He is young and is in contention for the National Team. If an offer like this comes in, both the club and the player cannot let it pass them by.”
Carracedo has been very outspoken regarding the future of his 22-year-old client in recent times.
He even admitted to TNT Sports last month that West Ham had made a bid in January and were still keeping tabs on Montiel heading into the summer transfer window.
Now, with the player’s stance becoming clear, it seems that Carracedo, Montiel and West Ham are all on the same page.
A summer switch is ‘essential’.
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