West Ham have made Maxi Gomez their top striker target this summer. According to The London Evening Standard and many other news sources, West Ham are preparing a big-money bid for Gomez.
Amid these rumours, Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has publicly spoken (as reported by Mundo Deportivo) about the interest in Gomez. And he wants West Ham (or any other suitor) to match his release clause.
Gomez is protected by a £43.5m release clause but West Ham’s opening offer was just £25m (London Evening Standard). The Irons would need to improve on this significantly to land their man.
Carlos Mourino on Maxi Gomez
Speaking to the Spanish media (via Mundo Deportivo), Mourino gave a public update on the Gomez situation. He let West Ham and other suitors know that he wants them to pay his release clause.
As translated by Sport Witness, Mourino said: “We aren’t going to give Maxi away, and teams who want him need to start paying attention to the clause. From there, we can negotiate as equals, not with one party who consider themselves superior to the other.”
Will West Ham sign Maxi Gomez?
West Ham need a new striker this summer. That is evident after the departures of Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll. With Javier Hernandez also leaving, Gomez is now a priority.
But will the Hammers win the race for the 22-year-old? Well, Valencia could provide a stumbling block. They also have their eyes set on Gomez, who has struck 30 goals in the last two seasons.
The Uruguay international is currently away at the Copa America and has an uncertain future. Does he stay in Spain with Champions League side Valencia? Or does he try a different challenge and join Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham?
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
