Julen Lopetegui is “in love with” Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia and is hoping to bring the player to West Ham United, according to AS.
The newspaper has reported in its print edition [page 24, 10 June] that Bayer Leverkusen has also made an offer while remaining at Girona is an option.
The Hammers’ approach is thought to represent the best economic value for Garcia, though the prospect of joining Xabi Alonso and playing in the Champions League appears to hold the most sporting sway.
Will West Ham United land Aleix Garcia?
West Ham, wielding the financial might of being a Premier League club, will be hoping to outmuscle competitors such as Leverkusen in their pursuit of Garcia.
However, Alonso’s Leverkusen project is an attractive one indeed, following their unprecedented unbeaten domestic double-winning season in Germany and involvement in next season’s Champions League.
The Bundesliga outfit went unbeaten over 51 games – a run that spanned 361 days – across all competitions before losing the Europa League final against Atalanta.
The Hammers are on the brink of an exciting transition, though, with head coach Lopetegui’s appointment set to herald the introduction of a more dominant, front-foot style. The Hammers will have to hope their own project – and superior financial offer – can tip the scales in their favour.
