According to reports out of Central America, West Ham United are not only on the trail of an exciting young centre-forward in Chivas’ Mexico international Armando ‘Hormiga’ Gonzalez.
They are chasing the most prolific Under-23 talent in world football. Statistically speaking, anyway.
According to X account Statiskicks, Gonzalez’s tally of 20 goals in 28 league games this season is the most recorded by a player under the age of 23 across the world’s top 40 domestic competitions.
The reported West Ham United target is in very good company, too. Those 20 goals put him ahead of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has scored 14 in La Liga.
Be honest – give us your initial grading and your current one 😂
For context, I was a C and now I am an A
Another fresh-faced centre-forward linked to the Hammers, Franculino Dju’s progress at Midtjylland was curtailed by injury, meaning he is stuck on 16.
Samu Omorodion of FC Porto won’t be adding to his tally of 13 – he ruptured his ACL recently – although Motherwell sensation Tawanda Maswanhise still leads the way in the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot race.
West Ham United face Barcelona battle for Armando Gonzalez
West Ham reached out to Armando Gonzalez’s camp during the January transfer window, according to ESPN Mexico reporter Diego Yvey. The Chivas talisman rebuffed their advances in order to keep his focus on the upcoming World Cup.
But, after the tournament finishes, Gonzalez and his representatives are expected to shift their focus to the transfer market, with Celtic, CSKA Moscow, Borussia Dortmund and even Barcelona among his alleged admirers.
Gonzalez’s father knows his son wants to play in Europe at some point.
West Ham have quite a history when it comes to signing Mexican footballers, too. Of the twelve Mexicans to feature in the Premier League, a quarter of them wore the claret and blue kit; Edson Alvarez, Pablo Barrera, Guillermo Franco, Javier Hernandez.
Hammers were snubbed by Armando Gonzalez in January
‘Chicharito’ acted as a mentor to young Gonzalez during their time together at Chivas too before the former, now 36, announced his departure in December.
“West Ham are a team that already knows what it’s like to have a Mexican striker trained here in Guadalajara,” Yvey pointed out in February when providing the details of that winter approach.
“This offer was made only to the footballer [Gonzalez] and his entourage, his family, and his talent agency. They didn’t approach Guadalajara directly, only the player.
“It was his decision to say, ‘Thank you, but not for now.’ It was a decision made entirely by the footballer. Armando was the one who had the last word.
“Chivas couldn’t do anything; if they pay the 20 million dollar [release clause, £15 million], the club can’t say no.
“He was advised by his family, mainly his father, who was also a Chivas player. They decided the best thing was to stay, fulfil his dream while waiting for a spot in the final [Mexico World Cup squad], and wait for the offers that will be presented in the summer.”
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