West Ham opinion: The Hammers should push hard to sign Guillermo Maripan

According to reports from the Sun, West Ham are readying yet another bid for La Liga star Guillermo Maripan. The report further adds that the club’s first bid of around £13million was rejected, with Alaves demanding a much higher figure.

However, that is a fee that West Ham are more than ready to pay, with the report stating as much. The Chilean star is easily amongst the club’s best players and his rise since he made the move in the summer of 2017 has been phenomenal.

Maripan finished last season amongst the best defenders in the La Liga and has continued that form, finishing similarly this season as well. It’s one of the reasons that Manuel Pellegrini wants him, but Guillermo Maripan’s consistency has played a big part.

The Hammers boss is looking to overhaul his side this summer and believes that the club needs a few additions to change their fortunes. Reports have indicated that as many as six players will be arriving apart from the two players that the club have already added.

So far, West Ham have already brought in Roberto and David Martin as free transfers and more players will be added. That should come as no surprise, especially given the way that West Ham have performed over the last few years.

The Hammers aren’t amongst the Premier League’s best sides but under Pellegrini, they’ve begun to show ambition. Ambition to move ahead and punch way higher than their current weight-class allows them to.

It’s why the club needs reinforcements across the board and a centre-back should be amongst their top concerns. Declan Rice’s incredible transformation into a midfielder has been brilliant but it has left the club with a centre-back short.

At the moment, West Ham have Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid. Barring the first two, nobody else has been a reliable option. Maripan has proven to be a lot more consistent. The 25-year-old has rarely suffered a serious injury.

In fact, the Chilean’s is arguably the La Liga’s most consistent defender, averaging a 7 out of 10 every single game-week. It’s a brilliant statistic and one that West Ham have to take advantage of.

Read More West Ham news, click here: West Ham latest news

Conclusion

West Ham need new players on their books if they ever want to match their ambition with actual results in the near future. Adding someone as talented and consistent as Guillermo Maripan will only help serve their purpose.