West Ham United remain confident of signing Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source quotes a club source saying that they remain firm in their belief that they can offer the player what he wants, and that speculation linking him with other teams is merely agents trying to drive up his price tag.
Football London reported in April that West Ham’s director of football Mario Husillos had identified the Uruguay international as a priority transfer target this summer.
It appears that hasn’t changed, with the club source admitting that the Hammers’ interest is genuine and that a bid has been submitted. Indeed, the east London outfit are said to have an improved offer on the table.
OPINION
This Gomez saga has truly been dragging on for months now. It’s difficult to ascertain where exactly West Ham are with their interest in the player, so it depends on how much stock you put in this club source. If we take everything they say as gospel, then it’s clear that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are very much interested in signing the 22-year-old and have been working on bringing him in for several months now. Clearly they have made one bid and are in the process of discussions over an improved offer. There has been lots of talk recently about Gomez wanting to join a Champions League team and prioritising football over the finances on offer at a team like the Hammers. However, the club source clearly views that speculation with disdain and feels that it’s nothing more than agents trying to drive Gomez’s price up, increasing their commission in the process. That may be the case, but it’s safe to say we simply don’t know at this stage. West Ham are likely still the favourites to sign him, but who knows.
