West Ham explore move for star who has 21 goals and assists this season – report. West Ham are showing an interest in signing Fluminense winger Jhon Arias this January.
The Hammers were big spenders in the summer window, spending around £120m on players like Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Crysencio Summerville, and Niclas Fullkrug. However, the season has not started according to plan.
Lopetegui’s side currently sits 13th in the Premier League table after nine games but have started to turn their fortune around in their most recent win against league giants Manchester United with a last-minute winner. As a result of this disappointing start, the club’s owners will dip into their pockets again in January to help their Spanish manager get the best out of the season.
They have been linked with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ben Chilwell, and Fotis Ioannidis, and now a new name has emerged as a potential target.
It looks like they are going to dip into the Brazilian league like many big clubs have over recent seasons after RTI Esporte reported they are interested in 27-year-old Fluminense winger Jhon Arias.
More attacking talent incoming?
With star man Mohammed Kudus linked with a move away to Premier League rivals Liverpool, the Irons will need to spend big if they are to replace his attacking talent and dynamic abilities in attacking areas.
While Arias is not a household name in England, he has garnered praise from former Fluminense star Gum who called the winger a ‘standout player’ for his consistent goal-scoring and ability to resolve games.
Arias’ stats back this up, in the 23/24 season he bagged 13 goals and 8 assists in all competitions and while mainly playing on the right, he can play all across the front line which will perfectly fit into West Ham’s attacking fluidity.
According to Transfermarkt, Arias’ market value is around £12.5m, which would be great value for a player who can link up the attack as well as a confident goalscorer. With the threat of PSR sanctions, this fee should entice West Ham brass to get the deal done.
