OPINION
Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez has long been thought of as a priority transfer target for West Ham United, but it’s starting to look more and more unlikely that he will be arriving at the London Stadium this summer.
That’s because Claret & Hugh reported earlier this week that Premier League giants Arsenal have made contact with the player’s agents and are emerging as serious contenders for the Uruguayan’s signature.
That leaves Hammers’ director of football Mario Husillos’s transfer plan likely up in smoke. Football London claimed in April that the Celta hitman is one of two players Husillos had identified as a priority target this summer.
It goes without saying that Gomez signing for West Ham is highly doubtful if the Gunners are truly in the hunt for the 22-year-old. Unai Emery can off the player European football – potentially Champions League football – as well as higher wages and better quality teammates.
This rival interest shouldn’t come as a surprise to the Hammers, but the supporters will surely be gutted when they seemingly had the chance to sign him in January. Sky Sports reported during the winter transfer window that Manuel Pellegrini’s side were in talks for Gomez, but the deal seemingly broke down after Marko Arnautovic’s China move fell apart.
So it’s frustrating that a deal couldn’t be done to secure the youngster then, and now it appears that West Ham are going to pay for failing to get the job done four months ago.
When a big team like Arsenal comes in for a player there’s not much sides like the Hammers can do. It’s unfortunate, but that’s likely just the way it is.
