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Report: River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel has signed pre-contract with West Ham

Will Butcher

Thu 14 May 2020 11:46, UK

that West Ham United have agreed a move to sign River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel, but are awaiting confirmation to land the right-back due to work permit issues.

Montiel, 23, has broken into the Argentina national side of late for his performances for River Plate. Progressing through the youth academy into the senior team, Montiel has now managed an impressive 91 senior appearances for the Argentine giants.

The report claims West Ham wanted to sign Montiel in January but Financial Fairplay rules barred a move. Now, a verbal agreement is in place over a £9million transfer that will see Montiel depart River Plate and move to West Ham this summer.

However, such a move will only come to fruition if a work permit is engineered for Montiel. Indeed, other clubs are awaiting that decision and will look to pounce if West Ham cannot. Betis, Leverkusen, Milan, Celta Vigo and Valencia are all keen.

TBR’s view – Could Montiel be Zabaleta’s like-for-like replacement?

Now 35, Zabaleta is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave the club – leaving West Ham with just Ryan Fredericks as the only senior option on the right side of the defence.

A right-back is certainly needed, then, and Montiel would be a stunning addition. But the entire move hinges on a work permit, leaving the deal out of West Ham’s hands as they look to close in on a move for the Argentina international.

Lanzini sang Montiel’s praises: “I think Montiel would fit in well at West Ham. I know they looked for him and couldn’t bring him in, he asked me and I spoke to him.”