Maxi Gomez has emerged as West Ham United’s first choice replacement for Marko Arnautovic.

West Ham are going head to head with Valencia for Gomez’s signature, and it is not yet clear who will win out.
West Ham have offered Gomez more money than Valencia, which could sway the striker.
The 22-year-old had been set for Valencia, but West Ham’s contract offer has given him something to think about.
The Hammers are said to be willing to make Gomez their highest paid player, and will pay up to £44.5 million for him.
West Ham’s current highest earner is Javier Hernandez, who earns £140,000-a-week according to Spotrac.
It shows West Ham’s determination to get a deal for the Uruguayan over the line, as he appears to be Manuel Pellegrini’s first choice to replace Marko Arnautovic.

The move could be a risky one for West Ham, as Gomez is yet to play in England and has no track record in the Premier League.
However, the youngster is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Spain, and if West Ham were to land him, it would be a statement of their ambition for the new season ahead.

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