West Ham United will make a move for River Plate youngster Gonzalo Montiel this summer, should they manage to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
That’s according to Doble Amarilla, who say the right-back could end up costing as little as €8m in such an eventuality.
Montiel has been linked with the Hammers since the January transfer window when they made an effort to sign him on loan with a purchase option included.
That was rejected by River, who did not want to lose a key player at that point in the season, particularly on loan.
Their interest has not diminished, though, with his agent, Marcelo Carracedo, admitting that he believed West Ham would revive their interest in the summer transfer window.
There have been several reports since then, and Doble Amarilla add to that today, saying any move is dependant on the Hammers staying up.
They report that should West Ham avoid relegation they will ‘send a formal proposal’ for Montiel, although what kind of fee that would involve isn’t mentioned.
Montiel has two release clauses in his contract, one at €20m and one at €25m, the latter only activating in the last ten days of the Argentine transfer window.
River, though, ‘would be willing’ to sanction a deal for much lower than that and would accept between €7-8m ‘clean’ for a deal as that is considered a ‘business opportunity’ by the club.
It is all dependant on West Ham avoiding the drop, however. Should they fail to do so, there is a separate plan in place, with them eyeing up a ‘youth from Manchester City’ according to the website.
