Xabi Alonso reacts to West Ham United transfer threat after he was outbid for Aleix Garcia
Bayer Levekusen are attempting to see of the threat of West Ham as they push to sign Aleix Garcia, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian reported via Twitter on 12 June that Xabi Alonso considers the Girona midfielder an “excellent” signing and talks are now advancing on a deal to take him to the Bundesliga champions.
The Hammers had previously outbid the Germans with an offer for the [Eduard Sola, 3 June] but now they are taking action in reaction.
Romano wrote: “Bayer Leverkusen are pushing to get Aleix Garcia deal done soon, as talks are advancing.
“New contacts took place in the last 24h, club keen on making it happen. Leverkusen want to anticipate West Ham as Xabi Alonso also considers Garcia an excellent addition.”
Tim Steidten will need to respond fast for West Ham
The Irons may be able to sign a player directly from Leverkusen but in a head-to-head transfer race they are a significant opponent this summer.
Having only missed out on an unbeaten treble with defeat in the Europa League final, and with Alonso foregoing interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich to stay as manager, they are undoubtedly an attractive prospect for players during the window.
For a Spanish midfielder such as Garcia the chance to play for his 114-cap compatriot could be all the more of a draw, so if West Ham hope to stay in the running for the 26-year-old they will have to respond quickly.
It sounds like the Hammers are seen as a genuine threat at the BayArena so if Tim Steidten can get involved now that the Luis Guilherme deal is set to be sealed perhaps there is still a chance.
Another central midfielder is arguably a way down the list of priorities at the London Stadium given the work that is needed in attack and defence.
But Julen Lopetegui will clearly have his own ideas and if he isn’t impressed with the options that David Moyes had he might see things differently.
In other West Ham news, the club are now at the front of the queue to sign an international striker for a possible knock-down fee.
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