According to the reports in Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Maxi Gomez is Barcelona’s first choice target for a ‘number 9’ in the summer. Apparently, West Ham United were inching closer towards securing a deal for the Celtia Vigo forward according to the reports from Sky Sports last month. The report did add that the player will move to London only in the summer, but with Spanish heavyweight Barcelona joining the race, West Ham’s chances of landing him have taken a massive dent.
It was also reported that the Hammers were willing to spend somewhere around the £40m mark to sign the forward. The rumours for Gomez were hot in January as Marko Arnautovic reportedly (The Telegraph) came close to moving to China but the Hammers were able to keep hold of him.
Arnautovic might have signed a new contract (Independent) with the club, but we are still not sure whether the Austrian forward would stay put at the London stadium beyond the summer. Therefore it is imperative for Manuel Pellegrini to keep track of a striker and Gomez seemed to be high on that list.
Barcelona have also kept Portuguese forward Andre Silva as their option if they fail to land Gomez in the summer. The Uruguayan has managed nine goals and five assists so far in 22 La Liga appearances, and the forward would be able to provide better numbers if he joins Barcelona. Gomez has formed an impressive partnership with Iago Aspas, and the form of the duo has been imperative in keeping Celta away from the relegation zone for the time being.
There is no doubt that West Ham wouldn’t be able to match Barcelona if the Spanish giants are serious about landing Gomez. The forward has his release clause set at £43.5m as per the Guardian. The 22-year-old is already an Uruguayan international, and we have often seen South American players preferring a move to play in Spain.
Gomez lacks a bit of pace but he has killer instincts in front of goal, and that makes him a dangerous proposition in and around the opponent’s penalty box. The forward showcases quick feet and can dribble out of tight spaces. He uses his upper body strength well to protect the ball from the defenders.
The Hammers need to keep hold of Marko Arnautovic beyond this season otherwise their prime replacement Gomez is likely to slip away after the recent reports where Barcelona have made him their top priority in the summer.
