West Ham United retain an interest in Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez despite the collapse of Marko Arnautovic’s move to China, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster report in their live transfer blog [Sunday, 14:09] that the Hammers will remain in the hunt for the 22-year-old Uruguay international regardless of what happens with the Austria international.
Sky Sports claim that talks have already taken place between the two clubs, but the La Liga side are averse to an exit this month as they battle against relegation, with Vigo set to demand more cash now than if a deal were to take place in the summer.
Gomez has nine goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
As reported by Sky Sports, Arnautovic’s proposed move to China has hit the skids after West Ham’s valuation of the Austrian was not met by his suitors.
OPINION
It is interesting to hear that West Ham retain an interest in Gomez regardless of what happens with Arnautovic, with Manuel Pellegrini already having four options up front in Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll. The fact that they are still in the hunt for the 22-year-old despite that suggests that Pellegrini is ready to get rid of one of those players – most likely Perez, who has been linked with a return to Spain. Gomez would most certainly be an upgrade on the summer signing from Arsenal, who has been really poor whenever called upon in a West Ham shirt. However, a deal for Gomez would be hugely expensive for the Hammers, with the Uruguay international having a release clause of around £45million. That would be a club-record fee for the Irons, and considering how much they have spent in recent windows, there are doubts over whether they have that kind of cash at hand.
