West Ham are one of three Premier League clubs in the hunt to sign Colombian winger Jhon Arias from Fluminense, according to Pipe Sierra.
The Colombian journalist was speaking to Central Fluminense on X, and said that it is “very probable” that the 26-year-old ends up at either Crystal Palace, Fulham or the London Stadium this summer.
Arias has also been linked with a move to a team in Spain, but Sierra said that their approach will not come until July despite Fluminense being ready to receive proposals during the coming weekend.
He said; “this weekend the terms of the proposal will be defined, and everything is on track for Jhon Arias to leave.
“There is a Spanish team, but they asked until July to move forward in this negotiation.
“The closest thing now is the Premier League for Jhon Arias, they told me about Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham, so it will, very probably, be one of those three.”
West Ham United not easing up in Brazil transfer quest
Arias is the latest cab off the rank in the Irons’ early transfer business so far this summer, and much of the club’s focus has been on targets plying their trade in the Brazilian Serie A.
18-year-old Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme has already been confirmed for a £25.5million fee, and fellow wideman Arias could follow suit if the Hammers can beat Fulham and Palace to his signature [GE Globo].
Technical director Tim Steidten even jetted out to Brazil himself to initiate the transfers of Guilherme and other targets, with Fabricio Bruno and Wesley Gassova both still reportedly in talks with the club [GOAL].
The Hammers also face a battle with Benfica for Portuguese winger Jota Silva [Tutto Mercato Web], and their widespread chasing of attacking targets is likely to compensate for Lucas Paqueta’s expected FA betting ban [The Sun].
Julen Lopetegui’s rebuild of the Irons’ squad has already begun with the acquisition of Guilherme, and should Arias also head through the London Stadium doors, the Spaniard will have two livewire wingers at his disposal to give newfound problems to Premier League defences.
