According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have rekindled their interest in Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez, who has been lined up as a potential candidate who could replace Marko Arnautovic.
West Ham were interested in Gomez in the summer but backed off due to Celta’s huge demands and while the Spanish outfit are still holding out for a lofty fee, the Hammers will certainly be able to fund the transfer if they opt to sell Arnautovic. But will it be the right choice by Manuel Pellegrini?
Maxi Gomez: an ideal replacement for Arnautovic
Gomez was one of La Liga’s rising stars last season, scoring 17 goals in 36 matches while providing 5 assists. And the Uruguayan international has maintained his fiery form this season as well, plundering nine goals in 17 matches whilst mustering the same amount of assists he had managed last campaign.
The 22-year-old has averaged 2.4 shots on goal per game this season – a tally only bettered by Arnautovic if we compare it with the West Ham squad this season.
But unlike Arnautovic, Gomez thrives in the air, having won 3.8 aerial duels per game, which, in fact, is even better than any other West Ham defender except Angelo Ogbonna.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old is a threat from direct free-kicks while he can also conjure up chances for his teammates in open play, having averaged 1 key pass per game.
This could be an ideal characteristic for West Ham, who have learnt how to play a cohesive unit under the leadership of Pellegrini and therefore, having a forward, who can complement the other attackers in the team should definitely help.
He might not have the same skillset with the ball at his feet as Arnautovic but his passing in the final third makes sure he does not squander too many attacking opportunities his team ends up getting.
In addition, the Uruguayan’s remarkable aerial prowess is definitely a bonus for the Hammers, especially in the Premier League, where teams often tend to utilize the traditional crossing-game as a Plan B and Gomez’s heading ability, in that regard, could serve them well, at times when they are struggling to break the shackles of the opposition.
However, Arnautovic has acted like a professional so far, despite being linked with a move to China but should the Austrian try to force a move away from the club, Gomez should definitely remain their number one candidate to replace the former Stoke City star.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored