Hammers seal Jimenez deal

Chilean agrees season-long loan deal at Upton Park

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 24th June 2009  

Hammers seal Jimenez deal

Jimenez: On his way to England

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West Ham have completed their first piece of summer transfer business by signing Luis Jimenez on a season-long loan from Inter Milan.

The deal taking the Chilean to Upton Park includes a clause allowing the Hammers to make the move permanent next summer.

The 25-year-old will officially join the club on 1st July, when he is also due to undergo a medical in England.

Jimenez is delighted to have completed the deal, having struggled to make an impact at Inter last term, and is looking forward to testing himself in the Premier League.

"I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do," he told the club's official website.

"I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score goals. I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good job for the club.

Options

"I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot.

"I preferred this option because I really admire the way they try to play. Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of football he wants to play."

Meanwhile, West Ham technical director Ginaluca Nani has also spoken of his delight at sealing the deal.

"I am pleased we have been able to secure Luis's services," he said.

"Many clubs were after him so we have had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done as Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next season."