Man City only suitor of five named, as Barcelona hatch plan for star with €500m clause
Manchester City are one of three Premier League suitors – and five overall – for rising Barcelona star Nico Gonzalez, according to reports in Spain.
Nico has taken his chance in the Barcelona first team this season after being awarded a senior debut in August. To date, he has amassed 27 appearances in all competitions. Along with the likes of Gavi and Pedri, he could be the future of the Barca midfield.
His current club are well aware of his potential, which is why they inserted a €500m release clause into a contract tying him down until 2024 in the summer. However, they are still not guaranteed to keep him.
Although no club would think about activating his exit clause, they could test Barca’s resolve with a lower bid. Due to the La Liga outfit’s financial woes, they remain at risk when it comes to Nico’s future.
Among the clubs who could try to prise him away from Camp Nou are Manchester City. They are the only club named in a report from Marca about a five-way battle for his signature. Two others come from the Premier League, one from Serie A and one from the Bundesliga.
Interestingly, there is a family connection between City and Nico. His father Fran used to work for the Premier League side as a youth coach. Consequently, City have been following him with close attention.
To fend off suitors, Barcelona are willing to enter fresh talks about his contract. They could offer him an improved salary, despite their monetary issues.
Fortunately for them, Nico’s priority is to stay put. But so was Lionel Messi’s, for example, and they weren’t able to afford to keep him.
Nico’s contract would not be anywhere near as expensive, that said. But Barcelona are not guaranteed to keep him anyway.
Barcelona transfer plans to affect Nico decision
Marca predict them to start spending again within 12 months. If they invest in their midfield, Nico could see his pathway blocked. This would go against his wishes, so only time will tell what his future holds.
He is currently competing for a place with the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie De Jong, Riqui Puig, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto. Although he is holding his own now, further competition may decrease his chances.
Nico will have to wait a while before making any commitment for Barcelona. They are focusing on extensions for defender Ronald Araujo and fellow midfield prodigy Gavi – each contracted until 2023 – first.
But the 20-year-old could be next in line after them. Whether the offer to extend his services is successful could hinge on a few factors.
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