Bayer Leverkusen identify João Gomes as Charles Aránguiz replacement

Bayer Leverkusen have identified João Gomes (21) of Flamengo and Alan Varela (21) from Boca Juniors as potential replacements for Charles Aránguiz (33), according to Kicker.

The Bundesliga club confirmed on Thursday that Aránguiz is sidelined for the foreseeable future with recurring calf problems – the Chilean has a contract with B04 until 2023 and came close to joining Internacional in the summer – and so are searching the market for a new number six that can play in a 4-3-3.

Die Werkself would need to pay a reported €15m to sign Flamengo’s Gomes, who has a long-term contract with the Brazilian club and has played 63 games across all competitions this season.

Varela is also likely to cost a similar fee. Transfermarkt value the Argentine youth international, who has played 42 games across all competitions, at €10m.

Should Bayer Leverkusen sign a new six in January, then it’s extremely likely that Aránguiz would leave the club he joined in 2015. He’s already missed seven games this season and isn’t expected to return to training until January, which puts him around two months behind Robert Andrich and Co. when it comes to match fitness.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

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