West Ham are likely to table a bid to sign Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez in the summer transfer window, according to Football Fan Cast.
The news outlet claims that the 22-year-old Uruguay international could be signed as a strike partner for Marko Arnautovic, rather than cashing in on the ex-Stoke forward to fund a move for him.
The Mirror has reported that Gomez’s release clause at Celta Vigo is currently £42million, but that figure could drop to £22million at the end of the season if the Spanish club is relegated from La Liga.
As it stands, Celta are 18th in the standings with one win in their last 12.
Good move for West Ham?
Manuel Pellegrini would be playing a blinder if he can sign Gomez without having to get rid of Arnautovic as the pair could forge a superb strike partnership together.
Many assumed that Arnautovic would be off in the summer after heavy links to China in January, but if the Hammers can afford to have both him and the Uruguay international at the London Stadium, then why not have both?
Although Celta’s form has been terrible lately, Gomez is one of the best strikers in La Liga, having bagged nine goals and supplied five assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this term.
He is still young and playing for a team that is devoid of any creativity, so imagine what he could do when partnered by Arnautovic and supported by Felipe Anderson.
This is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
It does seem likely that West Ham will sign Gomez, whether Celta Vigo are relegated or not, what seems hard to believe at this stage is Arnauotivc staying put in east London.
The Austria international has not started a game for the Hammers since January, when he was widely-reported to have been the subject of bids from China.
It would be a surprise if he stays put at West Ham, but Gomez does seem like a likely addition for Pellegrini.
This is Futbol rating 5/10