OPINION
West Ham reportedly remain in the hunt for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez despite it now looking likely that Marko Arnautovic will remain at the club this month.
Initially it was reported that the Hammers were chasing the 22-year-old Uruguay international as a replacement for Arnautovic, who has been the subject of a bid from China, but the club’s interest Gomez is said to remain despite that move collapsing.
As reported by Sky Sports, the Hammers are still in the hunt for Gomez, who has scored nine goals and registered five assists for Vigo in La Liga this season.
Obviously there is a long way to go before a deal is agreed, with the Spanish top-flight club said to be reluctant to let their star striker leave.
Even if a deal is not agreed this month, you feel as though such strong interest from the Hammers will surely reignite in the summer, with Arnautovic also likely to move elsewhere at the end of the season.
So, that then begs the question: what can West Ham fans expect from Gomez?
South American football expert Tim Vickery has delivered his verdict on the 22-year-old to Sky Sports, and his analysis is exciting reading for the Hammers faithful.
“He is almost like something of a throwback to the great old tradition of the English No 9 when you would whistle down a mine shaft and up would step a strapping centre-forward,” said Vickery.
“He is fearsomely strong. Opponents almost bounce off him, he is so physically strong. He is known as ‘The Bull’. You look at him and physically, he is a bull. He is a very, very strong, powerful centre-forward with plenty of technical gifts as well.”
As previously mentioned, it is far from a given that West Ham will sign him this month despite their continued interest, but it is clear exactly why Manuel Pellegrini is so enamoured by the Uruguay international.
The kind of strong centre-forward play that Gomez brings to the table would go down an absolute treat on the terraces at the London Stadium.
Again, it is too early to be making any assumptions, but if this move were to happen then it would be an extremely exciting one for West Ham fans, who will be licking their lips at the thought of seeing him in claret and blue.
