Man City links to Brazilian bagsman fancied by Arsenal gain serious traction
Several reports have now linked Manchester City to a Brazilian bagsman who has been a long-term target of Arsenal as their striker search rumbles on.
As part of their hunt for Sergio Aguero’s replacement, City have been named in connection with a number of big name stars. They were of course pursuing Harry Kane this summer. And they’re in the hat for Erling Haaland. But this player is far from a big name.
Yuri Alberto of Internacional has been making a name for himself in his home country, though.
The 20-year-old started his career at Neymar’s old club, Santos, before moving in 2020 and becoming a regular for the Porto Alegre outfit.
He scored nine times in 23 appearances last season and in this year’s campaign has produced more of the same.
In 27 games so far, Alberto has netted 11 goals. He’s joint top scorer in the league along with Hulk, which has seemingly put City scouts on alert.
Spanish outlet Fichajes first reported their interest. Then journalist Juliano Machado backed up the claims in a tweet.
He said he’d spoke with Alberto’s agent who had confirmed to him that City have been taking a close look at his client.
Now a further two sources from South America, via Sport Witness, have added more weight to the links.
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These latest reports make clear that no formal approach has been made at this time. A price tag of €20m has been touted.
That figure is a lot less than the one City would need to fork out on Haaland. And it’s despite Alberto’s contract still having over three years left on it.
Arsenal attempted to sign him a few years ago. And a report in the summer said they remained interested, as well as Barcelona.
Further transfer activity at City
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho could put one over on old rival Pep Guardiola with Roma poised to battle City over the signing of a Bundesliga ace, claims a report.
There are very few areas of City’s squad that aren’t stacked full of top class talent. However, with Fernandinho now 36, Rodri could soon be Guardiola’s sole elite option at holding midfielder.
As such, Caught Offside (citing Calciomercato) reveal City are mulling a move for Denis Zakaria.
The Monchengladbach and Switzerland midfielder, 24, has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Per the article, Zakaria possesses many of the attributes Guardiola demands of his charges.
But Mourinho is an obstacle in the way…
READ MORE: Mourinho scheming to scupper old rival Guardiola in Man City position of need
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