West Ham have made a £10.1million offer to Alaves to sign defender Guillermo Maripan this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The reliable Spanish outlet report that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in pole position to secure the centre-back’s signature this summer, with the Maripan believed to be likely to be heading to England during the transfer window.
West Ham had been previously believed to be holding an interest in making a summer move for Maripan, and had already submitted a bid for the defender whose value is thought to have a release clause of around £21million, according to the Daily Mail.
It is therefore thought that Alaves would be wanting more than the Hammers’ bid of £10.1million for the 25-year-old, if the La Liga side are to allow the defender to leave this summer.
Good signing for West Ham?
West Ham will be looking for extra defensive reinforcements this summer, with Pellegrini’s squad being a little strained with injuries this campaign, and Maripan could be an ideal player come in and make a difference for the Hammers next term.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season with Alaves, making 22 appearances for the Spanish side and showing he could have the sort of physical attributes needed to play in the Premier League, with the defender winning 4.2 aerial duels and two tackles per game [whoscored.com] in La Liga this term.
Maripan would therefore be an ideal signing for Pellegrini to make this summer, and at the age of 25 he would have the potential to be a key performer at the London Stadium for the next few years if he makes the move.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to Happen?
West Ham are some way short of reaching the fee needed for Alaves to sell Maripan this summer and will need to up their offer further if they are to complete a deal.
The Hammers will need to show their intent to complete a deal for the defender by managing to make a bid much nearer to the 25-year-old’s release clause.
Pellegrini could have an influence over convincing his fellow countryman Maripan to join the Hammers this summer, but West Ham will be needing to either up their offer or move on to other potential targets.
This is Futbol rating 5/10