Why Arsenal should look at Maxi Gomez as a long-term striking option

A report from the Mirror (h/t The Sun) back in December handed Arsenal a massive boost in their pursuit of Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez heading into the January transfer window. 

The Gunners have been linked with the 24-year-old on several occasions in the recent past. The report revealed that Valencia were ready to sell Gomez for a fraction for his mammoth £125m release clause with the La Liga outfit in dire need of raising some cash to balance their books. (Mirror h/t Sun)

Gomez’s rise in Spain

Maxi Gomez has established himself as one of the best young centre-forwards in La Liga over the past few years. He initially moved to Spain with Celta Vigo from Uruguayan giants Defensor Sporting back in the summer of 2017 and made an instant impact with a 17-goal haul in his debut season. (h/t Transfermarkt)

The 24-year-old went on to register impressive returns of 30 goals in 75 appearances for Celta Vigo in all competitions over two seasons. Gomez switched boats to join league rivals Valencia in 2019 and has continued to sail along smoothly. (h/t Transfermarkt)

An overall tally of 15 goals in 61 appearances looks somewhat underwhelming compared to his prolific returns at Celta Vigo. But the Uruguayan remains highly-rated as a quality young striker with his best years still ahead of him. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Gomez has also earned 19 caps for Uruguay at the senior international level, representing his nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. 

Arsenal need to look at the future

Arsenal have enjoyed a considerable upturn in form over the past month after a disastrous start to the campaign. The Gunners were languishing in the bottom half of the standings at the start of December but have climbed up to 9th in the table. 

Having said that, however, the North Londoners still have plenty of work to do if they are to challenge for a return to the Champions League. Truth be told, Arsenal will surely need to improve on their attacking record of 26 goals scored in 21 games heading into a crucial second half of the campaign. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has suffered a drastic dip in form this term, scoring only 5 times in 17 appearances so far. Those numbers represent a significant downgrade for a striker who bagged 22 goals in the Premier League last season. 

With Nicolas Pepe and summer signing Willian also struggling to chip in with significant goal contributions, Arsenal should definitely seek some additional firepower before the January window slams shut. 

Gomez an ideal signing for Arsenal?

Putting things into context, Arsenal grabbing the opportunity to sign Maxi Gomez would go a long way towards ensuring healthy competition for places up top. With Aubameyang already 31 and Lacazette well into the final 18 months of his contract, the door remains open for Gomez to establish himself as the club’s next long-term No.9.

Arsenal have generally focussed on bolstering their squad with up and coming players under the stewardship of Arteta. Gomez certainly fits the bill in that regard as a quality young centre-forward with plenty of room for development. 

The 24-year-old already boasts a prolific track record in Spain and looks more than capable of making an impact in the Premier League with his powerful frame and excellent all-round abilities in front of goal.

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Hence, Arsenal should go all out in their pursuit of the Uruguayan international if he is, indeed, available for a knockdown price.