Manchester United have reportedly identified PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential replacement for current No. 1 David de Gea.
According to a report from Calciomercato, which cites claims from England, Manchester United have set their sights on PSG and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as a candidate to replace David de Gea.
Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the game, Donnarumma burst onto the scenes as a 16-year-old prospect at AC Milan and quickly became the undisputed starter at San Siro. He went on to rack up over 250 appearances for the Rossoneri, going on to secure 88 clean sheets. However, having failed to agree a new contract with the Rossoneri, the shot-stopper signed for PSG on a free transfer earlier this year.
Donnarumma, who was named the Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Euro 2020 as he helped Italy win the competition in the summer, has found opportunities hard to come by since moving to Paris. Indeed, the 22-year-old has had to share game-time with veteran custodian Keylor Navas, as a result of which he has started just seven Ligue 1 matches this term.
This has seemingly alerted Manchester United, who are now believed to be looking at Donnarumma as a potential candidate to replace David de Gea. The 31-year-old Spaniard has put on much-improved displays this season and has managed to keep Dean Henderson out of the lineup, reclaiming his status as the first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford.
However, De Gea’s contract with the Red Devils runs out in the summer of 2023, although the club retain the option of extending it by another year. But it seems like the 20-time English champions are planning for life after the former Atletico Madrid ace. While Henderson would have been the natural heir, there have been speculations over his future, with the Englishman looking for an exit.
There is no shortage of suitors for the Manchester United academy product either, as Inter Milan have expressed an interest in signing him to replace Samir Handanovic. Closer to home, the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle United have also been linked. Should he leave in January or the summer and the club decide to move on from De Gea, a top-quality replacement will be needed.
Such a scenario would make Donnarumma a viable transfer target for Manchester United. However, since he signed for PSG only recently and has a contract that runs till 2026, the French giants are unlikely to sell. Even if they do consider a parting of ways, Les Parisiens will demand a massive sum.
While Donnarumma is a top goalkeeper without a doubt, Henderson has shown that he has what it takes to become Manchester United’s No. 1 in the long run. So, instead of shelling out a large fee for a new custodian, they can show faith in the England international to take over from De Gea.