West Ham target Maxi Gomez would favour a move to Valencia this summer as it would mean that he gets to play Champions League football, according to the Express.
The Hammers have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old Celta Vigo striker, as reported by the Standard, but face stiff competition from Valencia for his services.
And it is understood that the South American has told friends that given the choice between a move to England and the prospect of European competition, he would prefer Champions League football.
OPINION
This is a big blow for West Ham if true, but one that doesn’t come as a huge surprise. The issue that a side like the Hammers will always have is attracting the right kind of player when they face competition from teams who can offer targets the glitz and glamour of the Champions League. Equally, the Irons cannot hope to bridge the gap between themselves and those clubs until they start signing the kind of player needed to compete in that competition. It’ s a vicious circle, and it’s one that really highlights the struggle that mid table sides with ambitions of European football face. It’s expensive venture, and one that doesn’t always pay off. As for Gomez, he would be the ideal man for West Ham. with 3.8 aerial duels won and 2.2 shots per game last season [Whoscored], he is a real handful, and one that would have slotted in perfectly at the London Stadium. Don’t right it off just yet, but the chances of it happening now look a lot slimmer.
