Manchester City turn their attention to Anderlecht left back Sergio Gomez as an alternative to Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, with rivals Chelsea hijacking their £50m move for the Spanish full-back
- Manchester City have spoken to Anderlecht about left back Sergio Gomez
- The 21-year-old defender is an alternative to Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella
- Chelsea have seemingly hijacked a £50million move for the 24-year-old full-back
Manchester City have spoken to Anderlecht about the possibility of signing left back Sergio Gomez this summer.
The 21-year-old is viewed as an alternative to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella, who is now closer to joining Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been in pole position to sign the Spanish full-back, but after failing to meet the £50million valuation, the Blues have seemingly hijacked a move for the 24-year-old.
Man City are in talks to sign Anderlecht left back Sergio Gomez (left) this summer, with Chelsea appearing to have hijacked their pursuit of Brighton star Marc Cucurella (right)
City could head into their season opener away to West Ham United on Sunday with just two full-backs after letting Oleksandr Zinchenko leave for Arsenal earlier this summer.
Although talks are underway to sign Gomez, who is represented by Pere Guardiola’s – Pep Guardiola’s brother – agency, to bolster their options at full-backs with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo the only options at present.
Gomez is a product of Barcelona’s academy, who moved to Borussia Dortmund, before heading to Belgium where he worked with former City captain and now Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
Gomez worked with former City captain and now Burnley boss Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht
The 21-year-old, who is known for his energy and assist record, made 49 appearances last season, scoring seven goals and assisting on 15 occasions, as he helped Anderlecht finish third in the league.
Leeds United and Arsenal have also watched the Spain under-21 international closely in recent months.
The youngster could be a decent option as it looks as though they failed in their attempt to sign main full-back target Cucurella.
Sportsmail revealed on Monday morning that Chelsea were attempting to steal in for Cucurella after City refused to offer more than £40m for the Spaniard.
Talks have accelerated over the past 24 hours with Chelsea also proposing young centre back Levi Colwill as part of the deal and it is now expected that Cucurella will complete a switch to Stamford Bridge, where Thomas Tuchel could use him as a left wing-back or on the left of a back three.
Thomas Tuchel could use the Spaniard as a left wing-back or on the left of a back three
The 24-year-old handed in a transfer request last week in a bid to force through a move to City and there was a feeling the Barcelona academy graduate had his heart set on working with Guardiola.
However, Chelsea were given encouragement that Cucurella was interested in their club over the weekend and it is thought personal terms will not be an issue.
His anticipated arrival will likely see Marcos Alonso get his wish of a move to Barcelona.
Colwill has long been fancied by Brighton, who monitored the 19-year-old closely during his loan at Huddersfield last season.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been mooted as part of the Cucurella deal with the Seagulls
Cucurella only joined Brighton from Getafe for £15m last summer but impressed during his debut season, prompting the interest from City.
Sportsmail understands though that there was growing annoyance on Brighton’s part at the nature of City’s approach.
They had refused to negotiate further, regarding increments being offered above £35m, unless their £50m plus asking price was met while City had threatened to walk away.
Talks with Chelsea have since progressed far more smoothly.
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