Man City seriously keen on signing Barcelona star, now preparing £69m bid
da realsbet： Manchester City are now seriously keen on signing a “world-class” Barcelona player, with a £69m offer currently being prepared, according to a report.
Man City set out to sign Walker replacement
da leao： With Kyle Walker leaving on loan to AC Milan last season, before going on to sign for AC Milan, Matheus Nunes has often been given the nod at right-back, and Pep Guardiola believes the 26-year-old has attributes that suit that position.
Guardiola said: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality. I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure. He has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot.”
However, there are doubts over whether the Portugal international can be trusted at right-back, given that it is not his natural position, and City have set out to bring in more of a like-for-like replacement for Walker.
Earlier this month, it was revealed the Blues hold an interest in Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, but widespread recent reports suggest they are no longer set to pursue the 22-year-old, and an alternative option has now entered the frame.
Contact was made over a potential deal for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde earlier this week, and there has now been a new development on Man City’s pursuit of the defender.
According to a report from Spain, Man City are now seriously keen on signing Kounde, and such is their level of interest, they are now preparing a €80m (£69m) offer for his services.
Guardiola is determined to strengthen his backline this summer, and the Barca star has now emerged as his main target, but a deal will not be easy, given that he is locked in talks over a contract renewal to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.
Related Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign top target to replace Ederson
Man City are now working on a deal to sign their top target this summer.
The La Liga side are reluctant to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but if the Blues make a formal offer, it could be difficult to refuse.
"World-class" Kounde could be ideal Walker heir
After enduring a rare disappointing campaign last season, City will be looking to compete for the Premier League title once again, and the 26-year-old is exactly the calibre of player they need to bring in.
Described as “world-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Paris-born defender was a vital player for Barcelona last term, making 32 appearances en-route to La Liga glory, while scoring the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final.
The France international’s attacking talents were on display throughout the campaign, also netting against Real Betis after making a fantastic marauding run.
Walker was, of course, well-known for his pace and ability to make an impact on the front foot, so Kounde could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, and it is exciting news that City are now preparing an offer.