Arnautovic at the double, but his potential summer replacement shines

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West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic was back amongst the goals on Saturday with a brace against Southampton at the London Stadium.

The Austria international had been goalless since February, but scored his ninth and tenth of the season against the Saints during a comfortable 3-0 win.

It has been an indifferent season for Arnautovic, who has struggled with various injury niggles.

There was also some intense speculation in January about him possibly moving to China (The Daily Mail). He signed a contract extension amid those exit links, but the feeling is that he could well still be leaving this summer.

Manuel Pellegrini has been linked with a host of strikers who could possibly replace the maverick 30-year-old, one of those being Maxi Gomez of Celta Vigo (The Daily Mail).

The Uruguay international was on target for the Spanish side against Barcelona, helping his side to a 2-0 win.

TBR’s view

It was yet another great performance from Gomez, whose stock has soared this season.

He has now has 13 La Liga goals to his name and would be a coup for a big side.

West Ham have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for him, and his performance against Barca was further evidence that he can be Arnautovic’s like-for-like replacement.

The former Stoke City turned on the style against Southampton and is a fine player on his day, but there is a lingering feeling that he won’t be a long-term option.

Gomez has played a huge part in Celta’s navigation away from relegation in recent weeks, and would be a fantastic asset for the Hammers.