Manchester City are working on a deal to sign Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez as they look for alternatives having been priced out of a move for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella this summer.
It looked for much of the summer as though Pep Guardiola’s side were going to land the Spaniard, and Cururella attempted to speed up the process by handing in a transfer request over the weekend.
However, Brighton are standing firm in their £50m+ valuation of the full-back, with Manchester City only willing to offer a total of £40m, in turn leaving Chelsea a free run at the defender with the Blues willing to stump up the required fee.
Full agreement now reached between Chelsea and Cucurella on personal terms. Potential contract has been proposal approved, Marc’s prepared to accept once clubs agree on fee. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea and Brighton in direct talks again today in order to complete the deal. pic.twitter.com/Ey2VF4RGRL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
Cucurella is viewed as a potential left-sided centre-back as well as backup for first-choice wing-back Ben Chilwell and his seemingly imminent arrival will likely speed up the departures of Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmeiri, both of whom still reside in west London.
Manchester City target Gomez
Now, as per the reliable David Ornstein, the Cityzens have identified Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez as an alternative for the left-back slot while they work on more first team additions.
The Spaniard had been Arsenal’s alternative to Olexsandr Zinchenko had the Gunners not been able to prise the Ukrainian away from Manchester City, and he now appears to be Pep Guardiola’s replacement for the outgoing defender.
🚨 Man City working on deal to sign Anderlecht left-back Sergio Gomez. 21yo Spain youth int’l seen as development talent; move is irrespective of 1st team targets. #MCFC remain in market for senior recruit & considering various options @TheAthleticUK #MCFC https://t.co/fVjeaHvVGP
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 2, 2022
Whether Manchester City do manage to add another left back to their squad this summer remains to be seen, with the likes of Borna Sosa and Filip Kostic having been mooted but no concrete links with either, nor anyone else for the moment.