Calcio fans know the story by now. Atalanta captain Alejandro Gómez clashed heads with his coach Gian Piero Gasperini during the half time of La Dea’s Champions League encounter against Midtjylland – with some reports now claiming that the two men had even a physical clash. The player has reportedly been put on the market, and must find himself new employers in January.
Several clubs had been already mentioned as possible destinations – including PSG as well as Arabic clubs – however, here we’ll try to figure out what would be the Argentine’s best possible move in case he decides to extend his stay in Italy.
Juventus
The Italian champions haven’t been mentioned along the Alejandro Gómez suitors just yet, but Juve’s name will probably be dropped at some point. Whilst Andrea Pirlo is still trying to figure out his best possible tactical system, it is plainly obvious that the squad lacks an additional striker to cover for the formidable trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata.
However, based on Ronaldo’s career performances, the Portuguese superstar plays better whenever he’s paired with a natural central-forward. Thus, what Juventus need at the moment is a number 9 who can rotate with Morata – which could lead to another assault on Arkadiusz Milik – while Papu’s favorite attacking-midfielder role is usually being assigned to more natural central-midfielder, like Aaron Ramsey or Weston McKennie.
I've just been informed by a club insider at MLS side FC Cincinnati that they have been in talks with Papu Gomez about a potential transfer for at least a week.
Their general manager Gerard Nijkamp is doing his best to try to sign him.
— Chloe Beresford (@ChloeJBeresford) December 14, 2020
Inter
What was said above about Juventus is also applicable for their runners-up from last season. Although Inter will be in the hunt for a forward this January, Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Sanchez both perform better in the second-striker role, so the services of Alejandro Gómez won’t be needed in that position, as the Nerazzurri would prefer to add a central-forward who can act as an alternative for Romelu Lukaku.
And similarly to Pirlo, Antonio Conte prefers to play a central-midfielder in the hole behind the strikers – mainly Nicolò Barella and Stefano Sensi – and thus we can expect the club to pursue other options in midfield this January, with Cagliari’s Nahitan Nández among their possible targets.
Papu Gomez's heatmaps over the last 4 seasons show that he has turned more into a playmaker that likes to come deep.
His role at Atalanta has become more central every year and with a lot of freedom.
In Conte's Inter system he will never be given this type of freedom. pic.twitter.com/E6hRtYesb4
— Uncle Sharma (@RSharmzz) December 16, 2020
Milan
The Rossoneri are reportedly among the most interested clubs in signing Alejandro Gómez, as Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are trying to find an early solution for Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s likely departure once his contract expires next summer (although the club and the player are still reportedly negotiating for a new contract)
The idea of replacing the Turkish international with the Argentine veteran is definitely one to consider, as Papu can further upgrade the offensive quality of Milan. However, one must wonder if the presence of both Gómez and Çalhanoğlu at the same time within Stefano Pioli’s squad would lead to certain unwanted tensions.
? Tuttosport: #ACMilan, Inter and PSG want Papu Gomez – swap deal gives Rossoneri an advantagehttps://t.co/PDIRj55h0r #SempreMilan
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) December 16, 2020
Roma
The Giallorossi are another Italian side who are reportedly set to pounce on the Papu Gómez situation. Roma are enjoying a positive campaign so far, and the addition of the former Catania man would only enhance their impressive attacking-midfield department.
While Alejandro Gómez is widely considered as one of the best players in Serie A, if he decides to move to the capital side he’d have to earn his way into the starting lineup in the hard way as the likes of Pedro Rodriguez, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Carles Pérez and the currently-injured Nicolò Zaniolo are all fighting to cement their place in the lineup behind Edin Džeko.
[TRANSFERS]
?@GoalItalia: Papu Gomez is liked abroad, in the United Arab Emirates and China, but he wants to stay in Europe.
AC Milan and PSG have already explored the grounds, and even Roma could knock on Atalanta's door for the player in the next few days. pic.twitter.com/ikSfmtwTEy— Ticket Huddle (@TicketHuddle) December 15, 2020
Lazio
Lazio president Claudio Lotito knows a good deal when he sees one. Simone Inzaghi mainly relies on Ciro Immobile in attack, supported by Joaquin Correa. But whilst Felipe Caicedo is more than a capable replacement for the European Golden boot winner, Correa doesn’t have a decent alternative at the moment.
The Aquile rightfully tried to sign a star player during the summer who would link up their midfield with the attack, but the likes of David Silva and James Rodriguez eventually chose different destinations.
Nonetheless, Lazio now have a chance to enhance their squad with a brilliant trequartista, as Alejandro Gómez could rotate with his compatriot Correa, and maybe even start together in case Inzaghi is willing to try on a more adventurous tactical system.
#Lazio, #ACMilan & #PSG All Interested In #Atalanta's Papu Gomez, Spanish Media Report https://t.co/3iJr0nfvLQ
— The Laziali (@The_Laziali) December 11, 2020
Our View
Although the 32-year-old Atalanta captain would be thrilled for the opportunity to join Juventus or Inter at this relatively late stage of his career, the Argentine wouldn’t exactly fit the more-urgent demands of either club.
On the other hand, Roma would be pleased to add a player like Alejandro Gómez to their ranks, but the tough competition for a starting berth could prompt the number 10 to look elsewhere.
Lazio might just be the perfect side for Papu, as he would get the chance to resume the Champions League campaign by February, while playing a central role for the Biancocelesti, and perhaps aiding them to recover in their so-far underwhelming Serie A campaign.
However, if a move to Lazio isn’t on the cards for Gómez, then a transfer for Milan would surely be the crowning jewel of the Argentine’s storied career in the Italian Peninsula, and he might just be the player who would provide the final push in the Rossoneri’s impressive Scudetto hunt.