Is this proof Maxi Gomez had his head turned by West Ham interest as summer bargain beckons

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West Ham United were reportedly close to signing Maxi Gomez from Celta Vigo in January.

The Hammers had been rocked by Mark Arnautovic’s revelation that he wanted to leave for China.

But West Ham refused to do business at anything less than £50 million.

Arnautovic’s replacement, if reports are to be believed, would have been Gomez.

West Ham wanted to replace Arnautovic with Gomez

The Austrian remained in East London, though, pocketed an improved deal and Uruguay star Gomez remained in Spain.

Reports after deadline day said West Ham would return for the £45 million rated 22-year-old in the summer (Sky Sports).

And it appears the player himself may have had his head turned by the interest.

Since West Ham courted Gomez in January he has scored just once in 11 games.

He has also been sent off in that time as Celta Vigo fall deeper into the relegation mire.

Stats suggest striker had his head turned

Prior to Manuel Pellegrini’s interest Gomez had scored nine goals and was leading the way in La Liga in terms of goals and assists for players 22 and under.

It does not bode well that Gomez can be so easily distracted.

But it will also encourage West Ham that a renewed effort to sign him come the summer might result in getting the player for a knockdown fee.

Striker crossroads for Pellegrini

Pellegrini needs to have plenty of options going into the summer window.

Andy Carroll will leave the club after his contract expires. And both Javier Hernandez and Lucas Perez are pushing for moves to La Liga.

Arnautovic may also still leave if the interest from China rears its head again.

It certainly bodes for an interesting summer.