Report: Barcelona make Gomez their number one target

According to Mundo Deportivo, West Ham transfer target Maxi Gomez is at the top of a  Barcelona shortlist to be a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez due to his experience in La Liga as well as them being national teammates which should help him adapt to the club and learn the style of play. However, the report claims his release clause of 50 million euros could be a stumbling block.

The 22-year-old who is likened to Suarez in that he enjoys terrorising the opposition defence. Barcelona see him as a versatile player for the team whether that be direct or patient build-up play. Having someone like him to play off would be ideal for Lionel Messi due to how he often utilises quick passages of combination play to break through the opposition in the final third, although Gomez’ link-up play would need to improve claims the report.

Claret and Hugh say:

Maxi Gomez was hotly tipped as a replacement for Marko Arnautovic in the January transfer window when the Austrian striker had his heart set on a move to China. The Chinese clubs were unable to match  the Hammers valuation so the striker was told by Manual Pellegrini he could not move. It remains to be seen whether anyone can match that valuation this summer with the player turning 30 in April.  The Hammers will have transfer limited funds in the Summer and are unlikely to want to get into a bidding war with Barcelona to pay above the £45m release clause. Unless someone comes in with a mega money transfer deal for Arnie this sumner that would fund the Gomez deal, this transfer is looking less likely as happening in the summer.