According to a recent report by the Independent, Chelsea are set to offer Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes a lucrative contract after he has rejected to pen a contract extension at Old Trafford. The same source has also claimed that the Blues are willing to provide the English playmaker with an escape route by offering him ‘a persuasive deal’ when his current deal with the Red Devils at the end of this month. However, it is believed that the West London outfit will have to battle it out with clubs from Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal as Hamburg, Valencia and Benfica are leading the race for Gomes this summer (via The Independent).
Gomes’ Campaign Of Mixed Emotions In English Football
The 19-year-old has struggled to earn regular first-team opportunities under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the past ten months. He has only made six senior appearances for the Red Devils this term but is yet to score or assist a goal for them across all competitions.
Gomes has shown some signs of progress with his performances in Europe this season after averaging 2.0 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League. He has also been quite tidy with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass success rate of 91.3% in European football so far (stats via whoscored).
The Man United youth product has also represented England at various youth levels but is still waiting to make his debut for Gareth Southgate’s senior team. Maybe a change of scenery this summer could give him a chance to make a fresh start away from the Theatre of Dreams.
What Will The English Youngster Bring To Stamford Bridge?
Gomes can use his quickness and agility to make some driving runs with the ball in the opposition half. He has often been deployed as an attacking midfielder, but can also fill in as a left-winger if needed. His incredible versatility, coupled with his tenacity to make things happen, will be welcomed at a top club like Chelsea.
Is Gomes The Right Fit For The Blues?
The English wonderkid has excellent balance and a low centre of gravity that enables him to get past his marker and orchestrate some decent openings for others around him. He is a good team player and could prove to be a decent fit for Frank Lampard’s style of football at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Man United starlet lacks experience and would need time to improve himself before he is ready to play in the Premier League week in week out. He will not only bring more creativity to Stamford Bridge but also enhance the overall depth of the Chelsea squad.
Plus, Gomes will offer some much-needed competition for the likes of Billy Gilmour, Ross Barkley and Mason Mount for a place in Lampard’s first-team next season. At 19, he has the potential to become a decent squad player for Chelsea, so Lampard should consider offering him a chance to join his revolution at the English capital.
