Maxi Gomez to West Ham latest: Medical booked as Hammers attempt to hijack Valencia’s bid for Celta Vigo striker – reports

West Ham United have wasted little time in trying to replace China-bound Marko Arnautovic.

The Austrian has agreed to move to Shanghai SIPG this summer after passing his medical, six months after committing his future to the Irons.

But rather than let Arnautovic’s Far East dream wreck his plans, manager Manuel Pellegrini has targeted a move for Maxi Gomez.

The Hammers boss tried to sign the Uruguay international in January when Arnautovic tried to force a transfer through the first time.

But with the former Stoke City striker finally set to leave the London Stadium, Pellegrini has moved quickly to replace the No.7 before the start of the season.

Reports on Friday night suggested Gomez was close to joining Valencia, but the Hammers swooped in with a lucrative offer of their own.

And now, after 24 hours, talkSPORT.com will update fans with the latest chatter from Spain and at home as the 22-year-old prepares to decided his next move.

The Logistics

After making a bid of £36million for Gomez, the Mirror claimed West Ham also offered the player wages in excess of £100,000-a-week to convince the 22-year-old to sign.

It is understood director of football Mario Husillos travelled to Spain on Thursday night to thrash out terms on a deal. Valencia-based news outlet Super Deporte claim Celta wanted to reject this offer because president Carlos Mouriño wants to sell the striker to the LaLiga giants so he can get Santi Mina and Jorge Saenz.

However, ESPN claim the team representing Gomez are pushing the player to move to London. Apparently West Ham have offered €6m-a-year to the player, which benefits all involved.

Spanish news outlet AS then claimed the agreement between Valencia and Celta is in danger of collapsing because of the offer from England.

Stellar Football, who represent Gómez, say they have enough power to send the player anywhere and the stand of the player, who prefers to sign for Valencia, counts for very little.

Super Deporte also claim the agent of Maxi Gomez, Jonathan Barnett, has high commission demands which have complicated a move to the Mestalla. On the other hand, the Hammers are willing to pay these fees.

The Medical

Another update from Super Deporte as per Sport Witness, claimed West Ham had booked a medical over the weekend for Gomez.

The Hammers are so confident they have got their man, the report even suggested the deal is ‘closed’.

West Ham’s offer to the player is said to be ‘dizzying’ and while Gomez could still choose Valencia, there’s ‘not much optimism’ at the Spanish club right now.

Alternatives

Should West Ham fail to sign Maxi Gomez this summer, it seems there are plenty of alternatives in place.

Adrian Durham thinks that West Ham could push into the top four next season in the Premier League

News broke on Friday night which suggested a €40m bid had been lodged for Torino striker Andrea Belotti. The 30-year-old was once linked to Chelsea when compatriot Antonio Conte was in charge.

Claret and Hugh have also reported that AC Milan striker Andre SIlva has been offered to the east Londoners. The Portuguese striker has been linked with a move to Wolves over the past year.

And 90Min claim West Ham are still interested in signing Callum Wilson from Bournemouth. But the report goes on to say the Cherries will demand at least £50m for the England international.