Leicester City could make a move for Deportivo Alaves forward

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 08: Ibai Gomez (L) of Deportivo Alaves shoots his free kick into the wall of Club Atletico Madrid players during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Wanda Metropolitano on December 08, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 08: Ibai Gomez (L) of Deportivo Alaves shoots his free kick into the wall of Club Atletico Madrid players during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Wanda Metropolitano on December 08, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City could make a move for Alaves winger Ibai Gomez – that’s according to Spanish newspaper AS.

In 16 appearances across all competitions this season, the 29-year old has scored three goals and assisted two to help his side to fifth place in La Liga – just two points behind Real Madrid and seven behind league leaders FC Barcelona.

AS report that Leeds United and Athletic Bilbao – Gomez’s former club – could be interested in signing the Spaniard as well, so there’s no shortage of competition for Leicester. Needless to say that Bilbao will certainly have a little advantage in this race of sorts for obvious reasons.

After signing for the Los Leones in 2010 as a 21-year old, Gomez went on to make 145 appearances, scoring 17 goals and assisting 23 as well. In 2016, however, he terminated his contract at the club before signing a three-year deal with Alaves, which will expire next summer.

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 08: Ibai Gomez (L) of Deportivo Alaves shoots his free kick into the wall of Club Atletico Madrid players during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Wanda Metropolitano on December 08, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 08: Ibai Gomez (L) of Deportivo Alaves shoots his free kick into the wall of Club Atletico Madrid players during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Wanda Metropolitano on December 08, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /

What it means is that Alaves aren’t in a very strong position to negotiate, and they are therefore willing to sell Gomez for €4 million despite his €10 million release clause. In today’s market, it is without a doubt an incredibly low price. Lionel Messi is paid more than that in seven months.

However, the deal being nice and cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good one. Leicester do need a forward, yes, but they need someone who’s world-class. Leicester don’t need another player who can barely get to seven goals in a season.

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They need someone to complement Jamie Vardy and, later on, even replace him. Gomez isn’t the man for that job.