Serie A giants Roma have reportedly emerged as the new frontrunners to sign Manchester City left-back Sergio Gomez this summer.
The 23-year-old is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium having failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under manager Pep Guardiola.
Gomez joined Man City from Anderlecht for a reported £12m in the summer of 2022 after excelling as a versatile left-flanker at the Belgium club formerly coached by Vincent Kompany.
However, the Spaniard has started only 14 of his 38 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions and was handed only 47 minutes of Premier League football across six substitute outings last season.
Gomez is now deemed surplus to requirements as Guardiola has preferred to play both Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake on the left side of defence.
Last month, Gomez was strongly linked with a move back to his native Spain with La Liga outfit Real Sociedad, who have allegedly identified the left-back as a replacement for Arsenal loanee Kieran Tierney.
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Roma move ahead of Sociedad in Gomez race?
Sociedad chiefs are said to have travelled to England to 'finalise negotiations' for Gomez after 'the foundations were laid for an agreement' between both parties.
However, speculation over a summer switch for Gomez to Sociedad has now dried up and a new name appears to be leading the race for his signature.
According to Spanish news outlet Relevo, via SportItalia, Roma are 'the absolute favourites' to sign Gomez this summer having moved ahead of their nearest competition Sociedad.
Roma have already completed the permanent signing of Angelino - formerly of Man City - following a loan spell from RB Leipzig last season, but they are keen to bolster their left-back options further by bringing in Gomez.
New under coach Daniele De Rossi is rebuilding his Roma squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and is looking to find a replacement for Leonardo Spinazzola, who left the club upon the expiration of his contract on June 30.
It remains unknown as to whether Roma are interested in either a loan or permanent deal for Gomez, who has two years left to run on his Man City contract.
Oliver Thomas
