Man City Close to Landing Gianluigi Donnarumma as Transfer Fee Negotiations Heat Up
Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma and are believed to be in ongoing discussions with Paris Saint-Germain about an appropriate transfer fee.
Donnarumma revealed his surprising exit from PSG earlier this month, just weeks after helping the club secure their maiden Champions League triumph. The Italian shot-stopper's representative stated that his player was willing to accept reduced wages to remain in Paris, but PSG manager Luis Enrique clearly indicated he was surplus to requirements by bringing in Lucas Chevalier as his successor.
It's understood that only Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs possess the financial resources to meet the deal's requirements, and Manchester City appear to have made a significant move toward acquiring what many consider the globe's finest goalkeeper.
Pep Guardiola's team have finalized appropriate contract terms for Donnarumma, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. City have not yet reached an agreement on the transfer fee with PSG, though the report suggests it will fall short of the initially requested €50 million (£43.3 million, $58.4 million).
Nevertheless, City can only accommodate Donnarumma if Ederson departs. Galatasaray have allegedly submitted a €10 million offer for the Brazilian goalkeeper, which has initiated transfer talks.
This update regarding City's chase for Donnarumma follows closely after a disastrous showing from James Trafford. The summer signing from Burnley became England's most costly goalkeeper ever as he sought to compete with Ederson for the number one position. Following a clean sheet against Wolverhampton Wanderers in his first senior appearance for his boyhood club, Trafford struggled significantly during Saturday's 2–0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Guardiola emphasized that his choice to field Trafford in City's opening two matches wasn't an indication of complete confidence in the 22-year-old. "James delivered a solid debut and I chose to persist [with him]," the Spanish manager stated.
"The goalkeeper position requires special consideration, naturally, to maintain greater stability in goal. When I make selections early in the campaign for any player appearing in one or two matches, people assume 'This is the established lineup, these are the regular starters,' but given our fixture congestion, everyone will feature.
"That was simply my decision today."
In the upcoming weeks, Guardiola might have the opportunity to determine that Donnarumma should occupy the goalkeeping role for City.