West Ham’s interest in Real Betis fullback Aïssa Mandi has been covered by the Argentine media at the weekend.
You’re probably wonder why would the pursuit of an English club for an Algerian player who plays in Spain be so interesting for a South American club. That’s because he would be the Hammers’ alternative option to the signing of River Plate star Gonzalo Montiel.
Newspaper Olé wonders if West Ham could change targets and go for Mandi instead of the Argentine player, but they still believe that the chase for Montiel is on.
It’s said that according to people close to the player, West Ham are considering raising their offer for the 23-year-old.
Since the reports from Spain say Mandi is also attracting the interest from Liverpool, it makes it a lot more likely he’ll be more expensive than Montiel, especially because he has an EU passport.
The coverage of West Ham’s interest for Mandi makes it clear that the Argentine press is expecting something big from their pursuit of Montiel. The Hammers have been chasing the River Plate since January, when they made an offer for a loan with an option to buy, and are now expected to make a stronger bid this summer.
