OPINION
Maxi Gomez and Edin Dzeko have both long been linked with moves to West Ham United, but after the club’s pursuit of the latter took a hit, the Hammers must seal a deal for the former.
Italian outlet Calcio Mercato reported on Tuesday that Dzeko is ready to snub a move to West Ham in favour of a switch to Inter Milan, providing a major blow to manager Manuel Pellegrini’s transfer plans.
With that said, Gomez must now become a huge priority for the club. The Daily Star reported last month that the Hammers are eyeing a summer move for the Uruguayan having been interested in January as well, but are hoping that Celta Vigo get relegated which would halve the player’s £43million release clause.
Dzeko would clearly have been a much cheaper alternative to the 22-year-old, but with that possibility now seemingly off the table, the club must ensure they bring Gomez to the London Stadium.
There is huge uncertainty surrounding West Ham’s frontline at the moment, with Andy Carroll, Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic and Lucas Perez all facing uncertain futures. That would leave the cupboard rather bare in east London, making Gomez an absolute must.
It’s imperative that a top class striker is brought in this summer, and Gomez has long appeared the likely candidate to fill the void at the club.
It would be a major surprise if the Hammers weren’t able to sign the Celta star this summer, particularly now that the Dzeko deal has seemingly flown the coop. Gomez is a must, there can be no more messing around.
