Bayer Leverkusen sign Charles Aranguiz
Thursday 13 August 2015 10:19, UK
Bayer Leverkusen have won the tug-of-war for Chile international Charles Aranguiz, signing the midfielder on a five-year contract.
Aranguiz, 26, won the Copa America with his national team last month and also reached South America's Copa Libertadores semi-finals with Brazilians Internacional.
"We worked towards this deal for a long time, which did not become any easier after his outstanding performances both at the Copa as well as with his club," Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade said in a statement.
"At one stage we had even written the deal off. It also makes it that much better that we managed to beat a strong international competition."
Leverkusen, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, are facing Lazio in the Champions League play-offs next week for a place in the competition's group stage, while the German league starts on Friday.
"The Bundesliga is one of the most attractive leagues in the world and Leverkusen are one of the top teams here for years," said Aranguiz.
"My national team colleague Arturo Vidal (who joined Bayern Munich) was impressed by Leverkusen, so I really wanted to come here. Plus I have the chance to play in the Champions League."
