Bayer Leverkusen have won the battle to sign highly-rated midfielder Charles Aránguiz from Internacional on a five-year deal. While neither club publicly announced the transfer fee, transfermarkt suggest the Chilean cost around £8.4m.
Recent performances have earned him plenty of praise
The BayArena side won the race to Aránguiz's services after fierce competition from Barclays Premier League team Leicester City, with fellow English outfit Arsenal also having reportedly shown an interest last summer. The 26-year-old's stock began to rise after last summer's FIFA World Cup, as he helped Chile to the last sixteen before they were knocked out by Brazil.
However the Chileans eclipsed Brazil's efforts in the Copa America to claim glory on home soil, with Aránguiz playing a crucial role in their successes. During that time he continue to put in some stellar displays for Internacional, helping them to the semi-final stage of the Copa Libertadores this season. After the player flew into Frankfurt to finalise the deal on Wednesday, it seems like Leverkusen have got one of the bargain buys of the summer.
Schade, Völler and Aránguiz have their say
“We are happy and satisfied that our persistence has paid off,” beamed die Werkself's CEO Michael Schade, who was speaking to the official club website. He believed that they "were written off" in their bid to sign Aránguiz, admitted it was "even more pleasing" to win the battle for his signature against "strong competition" from further afield.
Sporting director Rudi Völler added his thoughts on their new signing, calling him an "outstanding player". Völler cited his "energetic, aggressive style of play" and says he "improves the quality of our [Bayer's] team".
Aránguiz himself also shared his views on the transfer, "My international team-mate Arturo Vidal raved about Bayer 04 and that's why I wanted to join this club." The player stated he is "looking forward" to the "big challenge" ahead of him, and that the Bundesliga is "one of the best and most attractive leagues in the world".