Matthaus To Gomez: Go To Arsenal

German legend Lothar Matthaus has urged Mario Gomez to consider moving to Arsenal this summer, the Stuttgart striker having been linked with a Premier League switch…

Jun 28, 2008 8:41:54 AM

Bundesliga: Gomez, VfB Stuttgart (firo)

Teams

The Gunners are reported to be at the head of the queue for Gomez, who scored 19 goals in the Bundesliga last season to cement his status as one of Europe’s most promising young centre-forwards.

Bayern Munich are also eager to snap up the Spanish-descended hitman, while Stuttgart are determined to hold onto their main goal-threat.

Big things were expected of Gomez coming into EURO 2008, as he was selected by Joachim Löw to lead Germany’s line alongside Miroslav Klose.

The 22-year-old has had a stinker of a tournament, to put it bluntly, appearing out of his depth and contriving not to score despite being gifted a number of gilt-edged opportunities.

Many have put his poor performances down to inexperience, and Matthaus believes there is no better place for a rising star to sort out his kinks than at the Emirates.

“It would be great for Gomez to work with a manager like Arsene Wenger — especially if Arsenal lose goal-getter Emmanuel Adebayor to Inter or AC Milan,” the former Bayern sweeper said in The Sun.

“If Gomez really seeks a change, I would suggest a move to a club which plays in the Champions League. Judging from his potential, that is where he belongs.

“He has got enough offers. He should retreat for a couple of days and then make a decision by himself. His destiny is on the line.”

Mike Maguire