Matheus Nunes did not turn up to train with Wolves teammates as he is ready to force a move to Manchester City.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Matheus Nunes did not train with Wolves as he is ready to force a move to Manchester City. The Midlands side had rejected a €55 million bid from the reigning champions and will only sell if they meet their valuation of the 24-year-old midfielder.
Manchester City desperately want to wrap up the signing of a new midfielder before the transfer deadline. Pep Guardiola had long decided to bring in another player in the position besides Mateo Kovacic, as they are trying to sign Matheus Nunes from Wolves.
Before him, Manchester City wanted Declan Rice, who eventually joined Arsenal. Afterwards, they chased West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta. But an FA investigation on the player for betting breaches has since halted the move.
Guardiola’s side turned their attention towards Nunes as a choice, but the timing must have been a bit late for Wolves’ liking. The Midlands side are seemingly open to a sale despite the little time left in this window.
🚨 Matheus Nunes has stopped training with Wolves + expressed wish to join Man City. #WWFC rejected €55m #MCFC bid & plan to stand firm unless valuation met. 25yo will face disciplinary action + be reintegrated post-window if no deal struck @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/5frO5pnF0U
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 28, 2023
However, Wolves will want Manchester City to meet their valuation of the 24-year-old, which could rise well above €60-70 million in the current climate. They have already rejected a €55 million bid, and contrasting reports suggest the champions have since lodged a €60 million offer.
Manchester City are confident about the move, and Nunes has reportedly gone on strike as he did not turn up for training. The 24-year-old wants to force a move to Guardiola’s side as sources reveal personal terms are already in place between the two parties.
Wolves only signed Nunes in a deal over €42 million, and Manchester City’s offer is only slightly over that sum. The 24-year-old has a long-term agreement with the club until 2027, with a club option to extend it by another season.
Hence, as things stand, Wolves have the upper hand in negotiations, as Manchester City will have to pay a much more significant fee if they wish to sign the 24-year-old. For now, this saga could drag closer to the transfer deadline, although there’s confidence the deal will get through.
