Sports
Man City now in contact over Vinicius Jr as Real Madrid make decision over his future
Manchester City have now been in contact over a move for a “spectacular” forward, with Pep Guardiola a keen admirer.
City eyeing new forward despite Cherki’s impressive form
Since returning from a thigh injury in October, Rayan Cherki has established himself as an important player for Man City, with Pep personally lauding the playmaker earlier this month, saying: “Rayan has special, unique quality. Sometimes you love him, sometimes you hate him, but he is special. The composure, personality and the tempo he helps us to play, especially in the final third, with the rhythm we need.”
With Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden also amassing 15 goal involvements between them in the Premier League this season, there is certainly no shortage of quality in-behind Erling Haaland, but City remain keen on bringing in a new forward this January.
It was recently revealed the Blues are seriously considering paying the £65m release clause to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in January, but the Ghanaian is not the only target, with it last month being revealed they are frontrunners in the race for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
There has now been a new update on Man City’s pursuit of Vinicius, with a report from TEAMtalk stating intermediaries working with the winger have now made it clear he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.
Talks have also been held with Chelsea and Liverpool, however, so there could be fierce competition for the Brazilian’s signature, and a deal could be pricey, with the Spanish club expected to hold out for a fee of £80m.
A TEAMtalk source also reveals that a deal may not be possible in the January transfer window, saying: “Vini and Rodrygo are huge players for this club, and Florentino Perez does not want either to leave.
“Both are different situations, Vini’s is about his contract and Rodrygo about his squad role – but as we get to January, the expectation is that both will be staying.”
Vinicius could be “spectacular” signing for Man City
Journalist Tom Allnutt has praised the Brazil international, who is regarded as one of the best wingers in the world, for the way in which he has developed since first making his breakthrough at Real Madrid.
Guardiola is also a huge admirer of the 25-year-old, having described him as “extraordinary” last year, and the left-winger has remained an important player for Madrid this season, chipping in with five goals and six assists in 18 La Liga games.
Man City scouts urging Pep to sign Bayern star who’s been compared to Rodri
He could become their long-term replacement for Rodri.
With Vinicius Jr also vastly experienced in the Champions League, amassing 56 goal contributions in 74 matches in Europe’s elite competition, he should be Man City’s priority target at left-wing, ahead of Semenyo, who is yet to prove himself at a top club.
