West Ham United are understood to be close to finalising the transfer of Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez, according to Sky Sports News, despite concerns that the deal could collapse.
The Hammers identified Gomez as a potential recruit when Mark Arnautovic’s future was far from clear, and remained interested despite the Austrian penning a contract extension to ensure he stays a Claret and Blues ace, at least until the summer.
It has been suggested throughout the January window that the East London outfit would smash their club-record transfer fee by activating the Uruguayan’s release clause – believed to be £43.3million – but the latest word from Sky Sports News is that the club are in negotiations to seek a cheaper fee.
The suggestion is that the Hammers will pay a figure closer to £40million for his signature, which will still be a club-record transfer usurping the £36million spent on Felipe Anderson in the summer – that deal could rise to £41.5m, though.
If West Ham do negotiate favourable terms with Celta for Gomez, it will come despite rumours that the deal was off, as The Sun reported on Tuesday that the Spanish side were walking away from making any deal.
The Sun claimed that Celta would prefer to retain the 22-year-old’s services after dropping into the relegation zone, and would rather discuss his future in the summer.
Sky Sports News’ claim also states that the nine-cap international would remain at the Balaidos until the summer, but only on loan from West Ham.
