West Ham United have made Maxi Gomez their prime striker target this summer.
The Uruguayan forward remains central to Manuel Pellegrini’s plans to revamp his forward line according to reports.
The Hammers tried to sign Gomez in January but to no avail.
It is believed the struggling La Liga outfit wanted around £40million for the 23-year-old.
West Ham make Gomez prime target
That figure is said to halve should Celta be relegated (Claret & Hugh).
As a result all West Ham eyes have been on the Spanish side’s results – which have improved of late lifting them up to 14th in La Liga.
Pellegrini has a base budget of £30 million this summer which will be supplemented by any money raised from player sales.
As a result many expected to see Marko Arnautovic sold this summer after January’s China saga.
Arnie departure was expected
The Austrian had been desperately poor ever since making him a more difficult sell.
Arnautovic has looked more like his old self in back-to-back wins, though.
As speculation intensifies over West Ham’s interest in Gomez it has prompted the question as to whether the deal hinges on offloading Arnautovic first.
Insider reveals hurdle removed
Well-placed Hammers insider ExWHUemployee revealed on Twitter that hurdle has been removed.
“I don’t think they signing is dependent on Arnie (leaving) anymore,” ExWHUemployee told his 56,000 followers.
“We could hopefully end up with both in an ideal world.”
If West Ham can sign the talented Gomez and get a tune out of Arnautovic next season it could be exciting times ahead.
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