Possible Gomez arrival at West Ham could be the challenge Arnautovic needs

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West Ham United continue to be linked with a late move to sign Maxi Gomez from Celta Vigo.

The Irons have supposedly been keen to pay the striker’s £43.5 million release clause (The Sun).

The 22-year-old is hot property having banged in nine goals in La Liga this term.

Celta Vigo are battling relegation from the Spanish top tier, but Gomez has been their shining light in a difficult season.

He’s being chased by West Ham, who appear resigned to losing Marko Arnautovic in the summer after convincing the Austrian to remain at the club beyond this month with an improved contract amid interest from China.

Gomez arrival may light fire under Arnautovic

A successful move for Gomez this month would potentially mean that Arnautovic knuckles down for the rest of the season.

Gomez is a huge talent and would not be arriving cheap. The likelihood is that he would be made a regular starter for Manuel Pellegrini.

Some have questioned whether Arnautovic’s head will be in the game going forwards, but he may take the addition of another striker as a challenge to his status.

He knows he’s the top forward and won’t want to lose his place in the side.

That said, there’s a possibility he could be forced to sit on the sidelines after hobbling off during the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.

The ex-Stoke City man made way in the second half after falling awkwardly and will undergo tests to determine his lay-off period.

The Sun have claimed West Ham still want Gomez, but struggling Celta don’t want to sell. Manuel Pellegrini must ensured he secures the Uruguayan.