West Ham United enter talks with Jhon Arias staff in new transfer approach
West Ham have been in contact with staff of Fluminense striker Jhon Arias in recent days over a potential transfer, according to the RTI Esporte.
The Brazilian website reported [28 October] that the Hammers showed an interest in the 27-year-old during the summer transfer window, though a move never came to fruition.
It is understood that an unnamed French club are also interested in the Colombian, but the Brazilian club have not yet been officially contacted over a potential transfer.
Fluminense see a departure as “inevitable”, with the club still rebuilding financially and needing to create funds to honour commitments to its current players.
West Ham United to take advantage of Fluminense situation in Jhon Arias transfer?
While the Hammers were understood to be in advanced talks to sign the striker for £10.9million last summer, as per RTI Sports Agency, that price could shoot down in January.
Fluminense’s current financial situation could be a real pressure point for Arias’ sale, though they are not likely to want him to exit at such a cheap price.
The 27-year-old has five goals and three assists in 21 matches this season, adding to his total of 41 goals and 42 assists in 189 appearances since joining on a free transfer in 2021.
The potential signing of Arias is certainly an interesting transfer, one that would provide Julen Lopetegui with some much-needed striker cover for Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug.
With the latter struggling to return from his early injury, and Lopetegui unable to rely solely on Antonio, bringing a younger figure to the London Stadium in January could be a sensible purchase.
The Hammers are just seven points above the relegation zone, boosted by the recent 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday 27 October, but the minus-three goal difference is far from ideal.
In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling was “staggered” by what Julen Lopetegui did before the Manchester United clash.
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