According to Voetbal Premieur, West Ham United will face competition from Bayer Leverkusen if they wish to sign PSV Eindhoven defender Santiago Arias at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

What's the story?

It would be fair to say that right-back has proved to be a problematic position for West Ham this season, and it is understood that head coach Slaven Bilic will look to sign a new right-sided full-back in this summer's transfer window.

PSV's Arias is the latest defender being linked with a move to the London Stadium, although according to Voetbal Premieur, Bundesliga giants Leverkusen are also very much in the mix for the South American's signature.

The defender, who has also previously been linked with a move to Swansea City, is contracted to PSV until the summer of 2019, although it is understood that he wants to seek pastures new at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Sam Bryam has flopped since joining the Hammers from Leeds United, while the experiment of selecting Michail Antonio at right-back ended when it became clear that the Englishman was needed in a more advanced position.

What are his credentials?

A product of Colombian side La Equidad's academy, Arias moved to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2011 after impressing the club's scouts whilst representing Colombian's Under-20 team.

Jun 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Colombia defender Santiago Arias (4) plays the ball during the first half against Chile in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports  / Reuters 
Picture Supplied by Action Images *** Local Caption *** 2016-06-23T015918Z_679524386_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-2016-COPA-AMERICA-CENTENARIO-COLOMBIA-AT-CHILE.JPG

The defender struggled to make his mark at Sporting, however, and moved on to PSV in 2013.

The 25-year-old has made more than 100 league appearances during his time in Dutch football, whilst he has started 25 Eredivisie matches for PSV during the 2016-17 campaign, providing two assists from right-back.

He is also a full Colombian international of 32 caps, and was part of the squad that finished third at the 2016 Copa America.

Excelling both going forward and in a defensive position, Arias seems perfectly suited for the Premier League, whilst he is seemingly at the right age to make the move to English football.

It is perhaps a risky signing for West Ham, especially considering the importance of this summer's transfer window, but Arias' experience of European and international football means that he should have no problems finding his feet in the capital.

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