OPINION
West Ham mean business in the transfer window already – after confirming the signing of Pablo Fornals on Friday, the Hammers quickly made a move for Maxi Gomez and had a bid accepted for the forward on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini was reported by Sky Sports to have had a bid of £29million accepted for the Uruguayan, and will face competition from Valencia for his services.
The Chilean has obviously shortlisted new forwards as an area to strengthen this summer, with the club also being linked with a move for Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata.
Atalanta’s president Andrea Percassi recently warned clubs away from making an offer for the Colombian, telling CalcioMercato, who report that the Hammers are chasing his player’s capture: “For now he is untouchable”.
West Ham will now surely laugh this remark off, with Mario Husillos said to be singling out Gomez as his main attacking target for the summer.
At only 22-years-old, Gomez offers a great physical presence up-front and would be available for a great price at only £29million.
The Uruguayan international has scored 13 goals this season, and averages over two attempts on goal per game (2.3). On top of this, his ability to hold up the ball could prove essential next season in bringing players into play such as Fornals and Felipe Anderson. His strength is highlighted when you see that he attracts almost two fouls per game (1.9) [WhoScored].
Zapata was a key figure in taking Atalanta to the Champions League and although he does impress in every department, a much bigger fee would be required for a player six years older than Gomez. CalcioMercato reported in April that the Italian side would want a £43.1million bid to consider selling their marquee forward.
At 22-years-old, Gomez is showing all the signs of progressing into an amazing physical forward that can deliver goals consistently. When added into a fast, free-flowing attacking style at the London Stadium, he will almost definitely flourish under Pellegrini.
