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West Ham plot Euro giants raid for 25-year-old international defender - report
By Will Butcher
West Ham are weighing up a move for PSV Eindhoven right-back Santiago Arias, according to a report.
Bleacher Report‘s transfer expert Dean Jones claimed in his column that the Hammers will use the money received from the sale of Dimitri Payet to try and sign the 25-year-old defender.
Known for his willingness to get forward on the right side of defence, Arias possesses bags of speed and a dribbling ability that would not look out of place in a winger.
Arias is a 27-time Colombia international and has experience of Europe’s top divisions, following a spell with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
West Ham are in need of a right-back, after playing Michail Antonio and Havard Nordtveit there this season as well as adopting a three-man defence with right-back options at a premium.
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French outlet Le 10 Sport claimed that the Hammers had a bid rejected for St. Etienne star Kevin Malcuit on Sunday, which could now see manager Slaven Bilic move for Arias instead.
This season, Arias has had a hand in five goals for Euro giants PSV during his 21 league and cup appearances. Scoring once, the defender has provided four assists as well as helping his side record 11 clean sheets.
Football Insider verdict:
With Alvaro Arbeloa expected to leave in the summer as he struggles to have an impact in east London and his contract set to end in less than six months, a new right-back is needed to provide cover for current right-back Sam Byram, who is known for his proneness to injury. Manager Bilic likes to play with attacking full-backs, who are able to supply a dangerous cross. Supplying four assists this term, Arias is known for his ability to centre a ball and that could help get the best out of target man Andy Carroll.
In other West Ham transfer news, this striker has made an emphatic decision on his future.
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