West Ham United are set to make an offer for Besiktas midfielder Gary Medel, it has been reported.
Chile’s exit from Copa America implies that Medel’s move away from BJK Vodafone Park could come sooner rather than later.
Medel has subsequently been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini keen on signing his compatriot, as per Turkish newspaper Fanatik, cited by Sport Witness.
Medel was heavily linked with a move to West Ham in the January transfer window, but the deal failed to materialise. However, they are ready to return for the combative midfielder once again.
Gary Medel: Profile
Medel has played for some big clubs in South America and Europe, having featured for Boca Juniors, Sevilla, and Inter Milan among others.
The Chilean moved to Besiktas in the summer of 2017, and has been a key player for them.
Last season, Medel made 24 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig, and mustered defensively 2.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per game on an average – impressive numbers defensively.
Further, Medel has been in the Chilean national side regularly and has appeared more than 100 times for his country.
Why Gary Medel would be a good option for Pellegrini
Versatility is perhaps one of Medel’s strongest assets as he is capable of playing as a central defensive midfielder, left-back as well as a centre-back. However, his strongest position is the deeper role in midfield as he is aggressive in cutting out opposition attacks.
Medel embodied everything Marcelo Bielsa stood for in his spell as the Chilean national team manager, and that aggression could add more bite to the West Ham midfield.
The 31-year old is also strong with his passing, and is an excellent tackler in midfield. Though West Ham have a good player in Declan Rice, Medel’s arrival could add more quality depth.
Medel’s impressive passing and ability to drive forward means he can also be used alongside Rice in a double pivot.
Although the Irons have good depth in midfield, Medel’s arrival would help them cause a stir in the Cup competitions and challenge the top six sides in the Premier League next season.