Pablo Fornals has been being watched by plenty of clubs since the winter transfer window and at one point was linked to Arsenal.
But West Ham have beaten off the competition from other clubs and much of that is to do with Director of Football Mario Husillos.
Husilos has been keeping a close eye on the midfielder since he signed him at Malaga, and feels the Spanish youngster has the right mentality to succeed with us in the Premier League.
Discussing the [;ayer to the official website he said: “He is a player we have monitored closely for some time, having seen him make excellent progress as a young midfielder in one of the best leagues in the world.
“I personally have followed his career since he was a youth player with me at Malaga, and I know we have signed an incredible professional and an incredible character.
“This is something that is very important for us at West Ham United now – not only a very good player but also a very good person with a good mentality.
“To represent Spain as a full international at the age of 20, and then to have made over 150 appearances in La Liga by the age of 23, is a sign of great quality and character.
“He joins us a young player still with many years ahead of him, yet with strong experience and already proven at the very highest level.
“We believe that his style and ability perfectly complements the midfielders already at the Club, and we are very pleased to have secured his signing so early in the summer.”
ClaretandHugh says: They do their homework don’t they? Husillos and Pellegrini know a player when they see one but as the Director of Football indicated, there’s more to it than that and you have to have players who are good around the dressing room – there are enough troublesome players around with talent to spare but it all goes out the window if they can’t become part of the spirit and character that the management team are trying to build. This is the sort of application you get from guys when you splash the cash and at around £10 million Pelle and Mario are starting to look worth every penny.
Alot of enthusiasm about this signing but I for one are not just yet convinced. However in Pelle I am beginning to trust so he obviously sees that he can handle the pace and physical aspect of the PL. I do worry if he has enough pace but I hope I am wrong. I do like that he is 23 and that he has played at the top level in Spain, and he is very good technically. All real positives and I hope that the next 3 or 4 signings are in the same mould.