Marko Arnautovic has finally secured his desired move to the Chinese Super League. This leaves West Ham in need of a new striker. The position is likely to be filled by Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez. But, how will the deals affect your fantasy football draft?
Arnautovic remains available in FootballCoin
Marko Arnatutovic’s departure was to be expected. In spite of the Austrian being West Ham’s most prolific striker during the last couple of years, the player always seemed unsettled. Not only once did he hint at a desire to relocate to China. The deal will no doubt greatly increase Arnautovic’s wages. But, it also leaves West Ham in a perilous situation. Some would argue that Arnautovic may have been the Hammer’s only player showing real goal-scoring prowess for the last couple of years. Yes, we’re counting Andy Carroll and Chicharito.
Marko Arnatutovic is represented as a three-star player in FootballCoin. Owners of the card will continue to be able to use the collectible card. The striker has moved to Shanghai SIPG. The team is part of the CSL, a league supported by the game. The CSL club is rumored to have paid £22.4m for the forward. It’s one of many high-profile transfers secured by Chinese clubs in recent years.
Arnautovic is not the only international star moving to the CSL this summer. It has been revealed that AS Roma striker Stephan El Shaarawy is set to join Shanghai Shenhua for the sum of €18 million.
Maxi Gomez joining the Premier League?
Maxi Gomez is a free player in FootballCoin, currently representing Celta Vigo. Similarly to Arnautovic, Gomez seems unsettled at his current club. Celta narrowly avoided relegation, largely due to the attacking partnership between Iago Aspas and Gomez.
The Uruguayan scored 13 times in 35 appearances. This seems to have been enough to convince West Ham to splash on a transfer, something they’re known to do. The Hammers may be spending-prone, to begin with. But, with Gomez they are looking to send a message by offering £45m for the transfer. If the deal goes through, it will likely be a club record.
Maxi Gomez would then be available for your fantasy EPL draft, most likely as a free player. Should he continue on the mark with his La Liga performances, Gomez is sure to be one of the best free striker options in fantasy Premier League.
Eduard Bănulescu
