Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal widen their search with fearsome attacker Sergio Gomez among two options to force struggler out

Anderlecht left-back Sergio Gomez

Assist king Sergio Gomez is one of two Arsenal options to bolster their ranks at left-back and a move could send Nuno Tavares to a Ligue 1 side, per a source.

Arsenal had hoped to sign Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez this summer. The Gunners hierarchy reportedly viewed the Argentine as a future left-back despite playing centre-half in Amsterdam. Bids were tabled, but Man Utd went above and beyond and Martinez is now on course to link back up with Erik ten Hag.

Determined to put that disappointment quickly to bed, the Athletic reported Arsenal have identified Man City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko as a viable alternative.

The Ukrainian is reportedly valued around the £30m-£35m mark and City are willing to cash in if their demands are met.

Mikel Arteta knows Zinchenko well from his time as Guardiola’s No 2 at the Etihad. What’s more, City’s interest in Brighton’s Marc Cucurella could make Zinchenko surplus to requirements.

That move has the feel of one Arsenal could pull off. But if negotiations prove difficult, Fabrizio Romano revealed Sergio Gomez is also under consideration.

The 21-year-old left-back plays for Belgian side Anderlecht. He had featured further forward earlier in his career, though now features primarily in defence.

However, his attacking tendencies have not been curbed. Indeed, Gomez racked up an incredible seven goals and 15 assists from left-back across all competitions last season.

Sergio Gomez to force Nuno Tavares out?

Romano tweeted Gomez is a player Arsenal are exploring the idea of signing.

Details beyond that basic statement are thin on the ground, though that’s to be expected given their Martinez hopes have only just been dashed.

Should either Gomez or Zinchenko sign, Romano noted Nuno Tavares could be the fall guy.

The Portuguese struggled in his maiden season in north London last term. The new arrival would compete with Kieran Tierney, with Romano adding Tavares be bound for France as a result.

Ligue 1 heavyweight Marseille are among those interested in his signature.

Which option is best?

Sergio Gomez’s attacking output undoubtedly makes him the sexier option. However, it’s important to remember those numbers have been racked up in the Belgian league.

Zinchenko, meanwhile, has never let Man City down when given the chance to shine in the Premier League.

He is entering his prime years and also has the ability to play in central midfield if required. Indeed, his regular position for Ukraine is in midfield.

Zinchenko would likely cost a far higher sum than Gomez. Though if Arsenal are seeking a reliable option that can contribute from day one, Zinchenko is their man.