As we have previously reported, La Liga's Real Betis are actively pursuing the signing of former Arsenal striker Luca Perez who has failed to establish himself at West Ham following his £4.5 million summer move. There seems to be a bit more than speculation involved in this 'linked to' story, Betis need to push on in order to try and cement an unlikely league finish above the mighty Real Madrid but lack the fiscal clout to 'do battle' with a financial big hitter like the World's 17th richest club, West Ham United!
Betis have also expressed an interest in signing Hammers target and MLS star Miguel Almiron, this could result in a bidding war with only one winner, despite splashing out close to £100 Million during the summer which required a short term loan facility, and also using the money received from selling off 10% of the club to Mr Tripp Smith, Hammers still have enough in the kitty to blow Betis out of the water. However instead of inter club conflict a solution might be found to suit all parties.
Having been heavily linked with a move for Atlanta hero Almiron in recent months, Hammers are keen to proceed in signing the Paraguayan who was voted the second best player in MLS and helped his side to a first title in the season that has just ended. West Ham would need guarantees that a deal can be done for Almiron before letting Perez go, otherwise it would leave Manuel Pellegrini too light up front bearing in mind both Chicharito and Andy Carroll's susceptibility for picking up injuries.
Miguel Amiron has expressed an 'acute' interest in playing in the most viewed league in the World, the lure of playing in London for a progressive side under fellow South American Manuel Pellegrini as manager, and alongside an international teammate in the shape of Fabian Balbuena, would suggest West Ham would be his preferred destination. A skilled playmaker Almiron is exactly the sort of player West Ham fans want to see the club invest in, a player who's value will only increase.
Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos have made a number of top signings including Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski and Fabian Balbuena, Andriy Yarmolenko also looked a fine prospect before his long term injury.
The feel good factor will have been further buoyed by the shrewd signing of Samir Nasri, who, on the evidence of his debut against Birmingham, looked a really class act. Hammers are being linked with virtually every player with a pulse during this transfer window probably as a result of having such a horrendous injury list, but quality not quantity will be the order of the day, if 'bodies' are required to make up the numbers Hammers do have an extraordinary crop of youngsters coming through the ranks, and from the recent academy graduates' showing there are plenty willing and able to step up to 'the next level', now where have we heard that 'next level' expression before? -Ed
