West Ham United may be in the midst of a relegation fight but it hasn’t stopped them monitoring players for the summer. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side strengthened well in January, looking at players from across the planet, with two having South American nationalities.
The search across the pond theme seems to have continued under Nuno’s guidance. The Irons are reportedly set to miss out on Brazilian Allan Elias to fellow Premier League side Liverpool, but have their eyes already looking elsewhere.
According to reports in Mexico, West Ham are rivalling Cetic for the signature of 22-year-old forward Armando Gonzalez. The young striker plies his trade for GD Chivas in his home nation. Gonzalez has been a sensation in his two full season’s at the club, garnering interest from all over Europe.
Reports state that the Hammers are very much interested in the player but Celtic and CSKA Moscow are the only two clubs said to have made any sort of contact with the club, with Gonzalez rejecting the latter. Barcelona and Feyenoord are said to be two other team’s with interest in the 22-year-old, meaning the Irons may be forced to move sooner, rather than later.
Who is Armando Gonzalez?
22-year-old Gonzalez is one of the in-form strikers in Mexico this season. The Mexican international has netted 19 goals this season, helping him to receive his first call up for his nation in 2025. The forward began his career with second division Tapatio, before he was snapped up by GD Chivas to play in Liga MX.
Armando Gonzales’s 2025/26 GD Chivas Statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 29 | 19 | 1 |
At 5ft 10, Gonzalez is more of a technical forward, preferring to play with ball at his feat, using his dribbling ability and pace to beat defenders. Whilst the 22-year-old can play on either side of attack, he mainly plays as a striker and wants to remain doing so, something that could effect his transfer choice.
The Mexican’s contract has just been renewed whilst he is having the best season of his career, but would be available at an affordable rate. It is no wonder the vultures are circling, but no matter where the player goes, it stands as a risk considering he has not played in Europe yet.
With that being said, Gonzalez is a very talented frontman, and West Ham will need to act quickly this summer if they want to be the team securing his services.
A striker is on West Ham’s wishlist
At present, West Ham have been linked with three strikers since the end of the January. Brazilian Elias, who looks set for Liverpool, Union Saint Gilloise’s Promise David and now GD Chivas’s Gonzalez.
Nuno also put an emphasis on frontmen in the winter window, adding Pablo Filipe and Valentin Castellanos, who has started every league game since joining the Irons.
West Ham are still in a relegation fight, but it is clear that plans are being made to avoid the same happening in future, should the Hammers stay up. It also seems likely, that should their objective be met, Nuno will remain at the club for the long-term.
