Arsenal have joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race to sign Valencia striker Maxi Gomez, with the Mail reporting that the cash-strapped La Liga outfit will sell for far less than his £125 million release clause.
As you might have heard by now, this is Arsenal’s worst start to a season in 39 years.
A 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham in Sunday’s North London derby left Mikel Arteta’s side far closer to the relegation zone than the top six, with Gabriel’s header against Wolves the week before the only goal they have scored in open play in over two months.
With Valencia looking to cash in on another of their prized assets amid Financial Fair Play concerns, it is no real surprise that Arsenal are one of the clubs queuing up for Gomez’s signature.
The Mail backs up claims from AS, suggesting that Wolves are also interested in an old-school, penalty box poacher who became Valencia’s record signing when he joined from Celta Vigo in 2019.
Wolves reportedly want Gomez as support for the recovering Raul Jimenez, with 18-year-old Fabio Silva perhaps not ready to be relied on at Premier League level.
Interestingly, Arsenal have been aware of the 24-year-old powerhouse since the 2018/19 campaign, with Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham also showing an interest in the past.
Gomez was also open about his decision to turn down West Ham in favour of Valencia last summer (Guardian).
A classic centre-forward who thrives with his back to goal, Gomez could perhaps be the link man Arsenal have missed since Olivier Giroud left; the kind of player capable of getting the best out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Willian.
He hit 30 goals in two La Liga seasons at Celta and notched 10 in his debut year at Valencia.
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