If West Ham United pick up where they left off, another centre-forward could be joining Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe at the London Stadium come the summer.
According to reports in his native Mexico, West Ham made an approach for Armando Gonzalez ahead of the January transfer window.
The Chivas Guadalajara frontman finished joint-top of the Liga MX scoring charts last season and, per ESPN, has attracted the attention of not only West Ham United but also the likes of Celtic and even Barcelona.
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Seven years after the Hammers sold Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez to Sevilla, could the Mexico legend’s young protege follow in his footsteps? The poacher-turned-streamer helped young Gonzalez hone his talents at Chivas before a now-37-year-old Hernandez retired in 2025.
Now, speaking to TUDN, Gonzalez’s father confirms his son’s desire to emulate Chicharito’s success this side of the Atlantic, even if he did reject a move to Russian outfit CSKA Moscow recently.
Armando Gonzalez is keen on a move to Europe amid West Ham United interest
West Ham spent just shy of £50 million on Castellanos and Pablo in January, after learning that Gonzalez opted to delay his departure until after this summer’s World Cup.
Now, the Hammers retained Callum Wilson beyond the winter. But the 33-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
Gonzalez, with a £15 million release clause in his Chivas contract, could be an affordable successor.
“What he really wants is to keep progressing in soccer. He wanted to be a professional soccer player, and now he’s there,” says Gonzalez Sr.
“He wants to play in a World Cup, [but also] he wants to play in Europe. He’s not distracted by anything else. That’s why he says after a match, his priority is being at home, playing FIFA with his brother!
“Last week, an offer came in [from CSKA]. They wanted to sign him, they wanted to pay his release clause.
“We talked about it and he decided that he wants to continue showing his talent with Chivas, try to earn a place for the World Cup. And then, if it happens, he’ll have to come [to Europe].”
Gonzalez earned his fourth cap for the Mexican national team in a friendly against Iceland on Thursday. Scoring one and setting up another, he not only opened his account for El Tri, but also boosted his chances to starting up top when the World Cup begins in June.
How badly have we missed Pablo Felipe? 👀
Nuno wants him back ASAP 👇
Max Hahn has told the Hammers to watch Swansea striker Zan Viptnik
Other strikers under consideration, meanwhile, include Zan Vipotnik.
Swansea talisman Vipotnik is leading the Golden Boot charge in the Championship, scoring 16 times in 25 starts. Hammers News can confirm that Vipotnik has been recommended by Max Hahn, the club’s head of professional development and recruitment.
“Clubs from the ‘Old Continent’ [Europe] have knocked on the door; West Ham, Barcelona, and Celtic,” Diego Yvey, a reporter for ESPN, said earlier this month.
“They aren’t about to sign him yet. They simply knocked on the door, asked about his demands, and inquired about his release clause.”
“West Ham are a team that already knows what it’s like to have a Mexican striker trained here in Guadalajara. 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], 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 [National Team squad], and wait for the offers that will be presented in the summer.”
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