Maxi Gomez lined up as Mark Arnautovic replacement by West Ham
Arnautovic has behaved like a model professional amid interest from Chinese Super League - Sky sources
Wednesday 16 January 2019 22:10, UK
West Ham have lined up Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez as a potential replacement for Marko Arnautovic if he leaves the club, Sky Sports News understands.
The Hammers held talks with the Spanish side over Gomez in the summer, but felt Celta Vigo were demanding too much money for the 22-year-old Uruguay international.
Sky Sports News has been told Celta are asking for even more money now, with reports suggesting Gomez has a £45m release clause - a fee understood to be far greater than West Ham are willing to pay.
Gomez has registered nine goals and five assists in 17 La Liga appearances this season, with Celta just two points adrift of safety in Spain's top flight.
Sky Sports News has been told Arnautovic, despite wanting to leave West Ham, is behaving like a model professional and turning up to training on time.
It is understood Shanghai SIPG have not yet returned with an improved offer since their bid of £35m was rejected.
Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini will have the final say over whether he is allowed to leave, but the club are unwilling to let Arnautovic go just 12 months after he joined from Stoke.
West Ham face no pressure to sell the player, who has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
