Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo today brings a big story about West Ham United’s interest in the Alavés defender Guillermo Maripán.
Their story is a mix of recent claims about the chase and some recent quotes which would encourage his move to the Premier League.
Starting with the claims, it’s been said that West Ham may have made a €11.5m bid for the defender. The outlet doesn’t claim it to be some exclusive information, as they make it sound like it’s been said before.
The amount is still not close to the €23m demanded by Alavés. But Mundo Deportivo believes that this is just how negotiations are made, and in case the Hammers stay strong in the talks, the player could indeed leave for the first bid.
Maripan is currently with the Chilean national team, and speaking to the local media, he’s claimed that moving to the Premier League would be a big thing for him.
“I’ve always liked the Premier, I’ve always wanted to play there. I hope that when the transfer window opens in the European summer, some situations may occur,” Maripan told Pauta de Juego (via Mundo Deportivo).
“Since childhood I have always liked what the Premier League is. I would like to go there, it is a great challenge on a personal level.
“What comes in the future I’ll decide after the cup. Now I’m just thinking about the Copa America.”
So in case West Ham’s bid is true, it looks very likely that Maripan could be having a compatriot manager in London next season.
