West Ham United want to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Charles Aranguiz, who is entering his last year of contract with the Bundesliga side.
According to a report from the Bild, the Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is keen on the Chilean International, but Leverkusen are likely to play hardball.
Aranguiz is currently on the national team duty with Chile in the Copa America in Brazil. He has impressed with his tenacious performances in midfield, and has managed three assists so far in the competition, helping his side to the semi-finals of the competition.
The 30-year old scored 3 goals and managed 8 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen last season.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of signing the Chilean midfielder.
PROS
Aranguiz is a versatile player who primarily features as a central midfielder, and can also move in on the right or in a defensive role if the manager requires him.
The Leverkusen midfielder is a strong passer of the ball and possesses the technical ability to orchestrate the play from the centre of the pitch.
The Chilean averaged a pass success of 86.4%, 1.5 key passes, and 3.5 long balls per game in all competitions last season, and his addition to the Hammers would add more composure and quality alongside someone like Declan Rice.
The 30-year-old also boasts excellent work-rate in the defensive phase of the game, so that will hold him in good stead under Pellegrini.
Aranguiz never shies away from a tackle either, and his style is similar to Arturo Vidal, who is an all-action midfielder. He managed 1.9 tackles, 1 interception and 0.9 clearances per 90 minutes last term.
CONS
The Leverkusen midfielder stands in at 5ft 6in tall and lacks aerial prowess which could be a slight issue in the Premier League where certain teams play route one football.
He managed an average of 0.6 aerial duels won per game across all competitions last season.
Pellegrini already has a stacked up midfield at his disposal. The signing of Aranguiz, with Pablo Fornals, Jack Wilshere, Mark Noble, and Declan Rice already at the club, could give Pellegrini a selection headache.
The Chilean midfielder’s age could also be a concern going forward as he would offer very little resale value in case the Hammers decide to get rid of him later on.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored
