Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly interested in Spanish prodigy Nico Gonzalez, with Barcelona open to cashing in on him.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Manchester United and Manchester City have set their sights on Nico Gonzalez over a possible move in a future transfer window. Barcelona could offload the Spanish prodigy in a bid to raise funds for a possible squad overhaul next summer.
Nico Gonzalez joined Barcelona’s famed academy La Masia from Atletico Coruna Montaneros in 2013 before making swift progress through the ranks in the club’s youth setup. The 19-year-old got his big break for the Blaugrana at the onset of the ongoing season, and he has since become a regular for them.
The Spanish prodigy has made 16 appearances across all competitions thus far this season, with the lack of reliable figures in midfield instantly elevating his role. Nico’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe setting their sights on him. Two of his prospective suitors are Manchester United and Manchester City.
The interest from Manchester United is understandable, considering their lack of a natural holding midfielder who can play week in week out. Nemanja Matic is in the twilight of his career, while Fred and Scott McTominay are ideally utilised in box-to-box roles. So, the Red Devils need a long-term solution at the base of midfield, which is why they have been linked with several players, including Amadou Haidara.
On the other hand, Manchester City will need to sign a long-term successor for Fernandinho, who is in the final year of his contract with the club. Even if the Brazilian signs an extension, he will only serve the Citizens for a few more years, that too in a bit-part role. As a result, the Premier League champions have been linked with several defensive midfielders, including Denis Zakaria.
To that end, Nico is a viable target for both Manchester United and Manchester City. However, the 19-year-old Spanish prodigy is not the only Barcelona youngster linked with the two English giants, with Sergino Dest reportedly also emerging as a key target for them.
As far as the pursuit of Nico is concerned, Barcelona could sanction his sale if either Manchester United or Manchester City can table an attractive offer. So, it remains to be seen if the Premier League giants manage to prise him away from Camp Nou or if he stays put at the Catalan club.
