The Hammers have tabled an improved offer of £20 million for wantaway Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes as the Catalans wait on more offers from clubs.
Andre Gomes’ future was discussed well before the Premier League season ended. The Barcelona midfielder was on-loan at Everton and has impressed many suitors with some terrific performances. The Guardian are reporting of a second offer from West Ham for the midfielder, which is an improved bid of £20 million after their initial approach was rebuffed by Barcelona.
Earlier we had reported of West Ham’s first offer of £18 million for Gomes, and predictably enough Barcelona rejected the bid. The report suggests that Barcelona are looking for at least £25 million for the midfielder but could be tempted to cash in if an offer close to their expected price is received. The Catalans, however, are set to reject the second bid from West Ham as they wait on more offers for Gomes.
Everton are expected to come up with their own offer for the Portuguese as Marco Silva, and the Toffees’ board were impressed with his performances while on loan. Everton do not have a purchase option with the loan deal but know a figure close to Barcelona’s asking price would be enough.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini is looking for an experienced midfielder during this window. The Chilean would ideally prefer Gomes and wants to pair the Portuguese with Declan Rice, but knows a deal would be complicated. In the end, West Ham could still agree on a deal with Barcelona, but convincing Gomes to play for the Hammers would be the most challenging part.
West Ham and Pellegrini believe the midfielder might have already made up his mind to join Everton. His agent’s comments in recent times have pointed towards Everton. However, there could be a late twist in the saga if a top-six side comes into the mix for Gomes. Arsenal are already in the queue according to some reports, while Tottenham are also credited with an interest.
Gomes would feel settled at Everton and might want to continue his Premier League adventure at Goodison Park. As for West Ham, they are merely trying their hand at convincing Gomes to join them. Pellegrini might concede an early defeat if Barcelona are to reject their second offer, and will likely look elsewhere for an alternative plan.
There has been no report of a concrete Everton offer for Gomes yet. The Toffees are believed to be interested in the midfielder but leaving it too late might complicate a deal if Barcelona are to receive offers from bigger sides than Everton. In the end, a decision on Gomes’ next club will depend upon the player himself, although for now, Everton can count themselves the favourites for his signature.
