Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes could be available in the summer for €40 million amid interest from Manchester City.
According to UOL Sport, Manchester City could be granted the opportunity to get their hands on Matheus Nunes. The Sporting CP midfielder is currently one of the most sought-after prospects in the Portuguese market, with Pep Guardiola, in particular, believed to be a huge admirer.
It has been reported that Sporting could be willing to part ways with Nunes in the summer should any club meet their €40 million demands. The player has a contract in Lisbon until 2026, with a €60 million release clause in the deal. The reigning Portuguese champions are willing to offer a €20 million discount, but are unlikely to lower their valuation.
It is an interesting revelation from Manchester City’s perspective, as they have shown a keen desire to sign the 23-year-old. The midfielder, after all, has made a huge impression on Guardiola, who had even referred to him as “one of the best players in the world”.
It was quite a compliment coming from such an accomplished manager and an indicator of the Catalan’s interest in acquiring the services of the Sporting CP talent.
It appears the youngster has been identified as an ideal candidate to add more depth to Man City’s midfield unit, especially with Fernandinho unlikely to continue. There have been question marks over the future of Ilkay Gundogan as well, although the German is seemingly keen on penning a new deal at Etihad.
Nunes could be considered as a potential long-term replacement for Gundogan, adding more aggression and panache to Manchester City’s second line of press. However, with a €40 million price tag, it remains to be seen whether Man City can afford the midfielder, given that they are occupied in the pursuit of Erling Haaland, who is expected to cost a fortune.
Manchester City aren’t the only club involved in the pursuit of Nunes, though, with the Portuguese also emerging as a target for Tottenham Hotspur. Given how poorly the Londoners fared in January, coach Antonio Conte would love to acquire the services of someone as talented as Nunes to add to his midfield setup.
With a chunk of the season still left to play, it is far too early for clubs to consider their moves in the summer. So it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming months, as Nunes looks to take the next step in his career.