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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

West Ham United are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Charles Aranguiz, per Ahora Noticias.

What’s the word?

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he attempted to sign the midfielder in a previous transfer window.

Speaking to El Mercurio in June, as translated by Sport Witness, he said: “I tried to take Aránguiz to West Ham, but he did not want to.”

Now, the fresh report claims that the 30-year-old is set to leave Leverkusen and is looking for a new challenge.

West Ham are again said to have expressed an interest, though they face some stiff competition; Bayern Munich, Napoli, AC Milan, Roma and Inter Milan are all reported to have made similar enquiries.

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An overlooked position

West Ham do appear to be overlooking their midfield this summer.

The club have already signed Pablo Fornals from Villarreal and it seems that they are currently focused on bringing a striker to the club.

Indeed, Football FanCast understands that they remain in talks for Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez following the departures of Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll.

But there is not a lot of depth in defensive midfield; only Declan Rice is a guaranteed starter in the position, with Carlos Sanchez and Pedro Obiang his back-ups.

The latter has been linked with a departure and if he goes, the Hammers will need a replacement.

A swoop for Aranguiz, a player Pellegrini has already confirmed his interest in previously, would make sense, then, and he may be available for a reduced fee.

The midfielder’s contract expires next summer, but it remains to be seen if a bidding war will emerge.

West Ham would do well to come out on top if it does.