OPINION
West Ham United’s pursuit of Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez has been a protracted one, and one that is now beginning to divide the Hammers fanbase.
However, Manuel Pellegrini’s hunt for the 22-year-old has now taken a serious blow. The Daily Express reported on Monday that the Hammers’ main rivals for Gomez’s signature, Valencia, have submitted a cash plus player offer for the Celta frontman.
It’s said that Marcelino’s side are offering £13million, plus forward Santa Mina and youth players Jorge Saenz de Miera and Kangin Lee. That’s not a bad package to present to a team like Celta who will be keen to get as much back for their prized asset as they possibly can.
West Ham, on the other hand, seemingly appear to be bumbling about in the dark, desperately trying to convince Gomez that they are the team for him. Indeed, there is a concern that the player’s desire to play Champions League football will scupper a potential move to the London Stadium.
Gomez, as reported by Football London in April, is a prime transfer target for Hammers director of football Mario Husillos. The Greek desperately wants to bring him to east London, but every recent indication is that they could well miss out.
The Hammers, certainly, can’t bring as effective a cash plus players deal to the table. Unless they offer some money and Javier Hernandez, of course, but it’s unknown how Celta would react to that, or if the Mexican would be interested in joining the La Liga minnows.
Still, Valencia’s most recent bid is extremely worrying for those of a claret and blue persuasion. They need to act fast, or they could end up losing the young striker.