Papu Gomez’s time at Atalanta is coming to an end after over six years at the club. After a falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Gomez will be sold when the January transfer window officially opens. At 32-years-old, Gomez is no spring chicken. However, it’s clear that the Argentinan still has a lot to offer. Last season he was one of the best players in Serie A. This season, when he has played, his quality has been on display. He’s already been linked to a few clubs in the latest round of football transfer rumours, but what are his possible destinations?
Football Transfer Rumours: Possible Destinations for Papu Gomez
Inter Milan
Inter’s Sporting Director, Piero Ausilio said: “Gomez is a very talented player that everyone would like to sign,” when speaking to Sky Sports. The question is will Inter pull the trigger? Christian Eriksen is set to leave the Nerazzurri in January which would leave room for a creative player in Antonio Conte’s side. Gomez is used to playing in a 3-5-2/3-4-2-1 during his time under Gasperini. Gomez can play behind a number nine or can even slot up top as a second striker. However, as we saw with Eriksen, Conte doesn’t like playing with an attacking midfielder in his midfield three. Conte has opted for a more industrious midfield three. This includes the likes of Roberto Gagliardini, Marcelo Brozovic, and Nicolo Barella.
Gomez could play next to Romelu Lukaku, however that position is currently occupied by Gomez’s countryman, Lautaro Martinez. Martinez is by no means the finished article but he is nine years younger than Gomez. Alexis Sanchez is also used as a depth option for the two strikers. If Gomez were to go to Inter he would likely have to settle for sharing his minutes with Martinez and Sanchez.
AC Milan
According to Calcio Mercato, AC Milan are also linked with a possible move for Gomez. Milan play with a 4-2-3-1 with Hakan Calhanoglu occupying the space behind the striker. The Turk has been undroppable so far this season. He’s been one of the brightest spots in Stefano Pioli’s side, who are currently the only undefeated team left in Europe’s top five leagues. Gomez would be a brilliant depth option but he certainly wouldn’t be the first choice. However, it’s important to note that Milan are still playing in Europe, unlike Inter, and fixture congestion will be a cause for rotation.
Bergamo is only about 40 minutes away from Milan, therefore it’s easy to see why a move to one of the Milan clubs is very possible for Gomez. However, a move to either club will see a decline in first-team football for the Atalanta man. Gomez will have to assess his priorities. A move to one of the Milan clubs will mean challenging for silverware but if playing week in and week out is the priority, then it might be smarter to look elsewhere.
Lazio
There haven’t been any strong links but in terms of fit, Lazio would be perfect for Gomez. With a move like this, Gomez can remain in Italy and go to a side that can greatly benefit from his talent. Simone Inzaghi has deployed both Felipe Caicedo and Joaquin Correa alongside star striker Ciro Immobile this season. Correa and Caicedo both offer something different, however, they do suffer from inconsistent form. Gomez would be the perfect foil for Immobile who already scores a ton of goals. Inzaghi’s men need that x-factor at the moment. Lazio has struggled this season as they currently sit in eighth place in the table. Gomez and Immobile could be an elite strike force that would give opposing defences a nightmare.
Cash-In and Go to Saudi Arabia?
AS reported a month ago that Saudi club Al-Nassr are going to make an approach to sign Gomez after a failed attempt in the summer. While nothing new has emerged currently, Gomez could more than triple his salary with a move to Al-Nassr. Obviously, this wouldn’t be an ambitious move in terms of footballing merit. However, football is just a job at the end of the day. A move abroad where Gomez can play at a lower level and make crazy money wouldn’t be a bad option whatsoever. Too often football fans forget that these footballers have families and careers that are pretty short in the grand scheme of things. It would be sad to see a player like Gomez leave the highest level of football but he has every right to do so.
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