Chelsea are interested in signing Manchester City fullback Sergio Gomez, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Writing in his Substack column (via Sportsmole.co.uk), Phillips suggested that the Spaniard was one of a number of options that the Blues are looking at to strengthen the left-hand side of defence.

Gomez has had limited game time this season, with manager Pep Guardiola having only started him on four occasions; two of which came in the Champions League group games versus Red Star Belgrade.

The 23-year-old was also named in the eleven for the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup back in September (where he was deployed as a right winger), as well as the FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town earlier this month.

Why are Chelsea pursuing Gomez?

Marc Cucurella is expected out for at least another month after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury. Ben Chilwell has returned to fitness following a hamstring problem but there is a feeling that manager Mauricio Pochettino isn’t entirely convinced about the vice-captain’s defensive qualities.

The England international has been invariably used as a left winger this season when fit, so Pochettino may feel he needs more cover at left-back, with Levi Colwill the only other option after Ian Maatsen joined Borussia Dortmund on loan.

Ironically, though, Gomez is a pretty attack-minded fullback too so there wouldn’t be much difference between him and Chilwell in that regard.

Could the City left-back be another Cole Palmer?

After paying City £42.5m for Palmer before the transfer window closed in the summer, it seems the Blues believe they could replicate that success with Gomez.

Palmer scored his 9th goal in 22 appearances for Chelsea at the weekend, helping to seal a 1-0 win over Fulham from the penalty spot, as the Blues moved up to 9th in the Premier League table.