'I've been told': West Ham interested in £12.6m winger who is one of the best dribblers in Brazil - journalist
06/16/2024 05:15 AM
West Ham United are interested in a £12.6m winger who is one of the best dribblers in Brazil, according to a recent report.
The Hammers have been active in the transfer window and have already added highly rated Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme to their ranks.
Julen Lopetegui has clearly identified the forward ranks as a weak area as he’s now in the race to sign another winger from South America.
West Ham United interested in Jhon Arias
According to Pipe Sierra, via Central Fluminense, West Ham United are one of the clubs interested in signing Fluminense winger Jhon Arias.
The 26-year-old wide player, who can operate on either flank and as a number 10, has netted seven goals whilst laying on four assists so far this season – which ends in December.
Arias has a £12.6m price tag, which is attracting interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Championship outfit Leeds United.
Despite interest from Spain, too, Sierra believes he’ll join a Premier League side this summer.
"Everything is well in place for Arias to leave. There is a Spanish club, which has asked for July to move forward with the negotiation.
"But the closest now is the Premier League. I've been told about Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham… So, it'll probably be one of those three. It's not negotiated with those three, but I think it is likely to be."
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Jhon Arias statistics
According to FBref, Arias is one of the best dribblers in Brazil as he ranks in the top 15 per cent for successful take-ons per 90 compared to his positional peers.
Further, his passing statistics are impressive, sitting in the top eight per cent for pass completion – evincing his proficiency in possession.
Arias could be a shrewd acquisition for Lopetegui.
