Manchester City could consider keeping hold of Nico Gonzalez depending on Enzo Maresca’s decision, with Newcastle United still interested in the Spaniard.
Manchester City could retain Nico Gonzalez before the transfer deadline if Enzo Maresca cannot secure suitable midfield replacements, despite Newcastle United’s continued interest. Football Insider reports that the Spanish midfielder remains a target for Newcastle during the final stages of the window, but Maresca may choose to keep him if the club are unable to sign suitable replacements.
There is considerable uncertainty surrounding Manchester City’s summer transfer activity. Following the departures of Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah and Rodri to Barcelona, Maresca’s midfield options have become particularly limited. Bernardo Silva has also left after the expiration of his contract.
If Manchester City sell Gonzalez without signing a replacement, they could lack the necessary depth for the upcoming season, forcing the club to make a major decision over the midfielder, who joined in a £50 million deal during the winter transfer window of 2025.
Manchester City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club-record deal, while Moroccan prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi is also expected to arrive. Even with Bouaddi joining, without Gonzalez, City’s midfield would consist only of Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis and Bouaddi, a relatively thin roster for two spots.
Manchester City to make Nico Gonzalez decision
Despite earlier suggestions that Manchester City were prepared to sell him, the lack of midfield options may ultimately convince the manager to keep the Spaniard. City are expected to compete in four competitions next season, and their midfield depth already appears thin. Therefore, Maresca could retain Gonzalez, particularly if the club are unable to sign another midfielder in addition to Bouaddi.
Newcastle United are keen to sign Gonzalez after losing Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. Although it remains unclear whether Gonzalez is open to a move to St. James’ Park, any decision will ultimately depend on Manchester City’s stance and Maresca’s assessment of the player.
Manchester City remain active for new midfielders
Enzo Maresca’s side are still active in the market for midfield reinforcements. They recently saw an approach for Adam Wharton rejected by Crystal Palace, with the Eagles insisting that the midfielder is not for sale, as reported by David Ornstein.
Manchester City could also intensify their efforts to sign Enzo Fernandez, although a deal for the Chelsea midfielder would be extremely complicated. The West London club set a deadline for interested clubs to submit an offer, but that deadline has now passed, and Fabrizio Romano reported that the London club were considering keeping hold of Fernandez.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Manchester City’s pursuit of reinforcements will ultimately determine whether Gonzalez remains part of Maresca’s plans.
