Pep Guardiola, seen unscrewing a bottle of water before a Premier League match, can breathe a sigh of relief as Manchester City reportedly have an agreement with a major European club to part ways with one of their veteran players on transfer deadline day. The Sky Blues have been highly active in the market, eyeing one final acquisition and making room for a couple of departures.
As the clock ticked down, Gianluigi Donnarumma emerged as Man City’s prime target, and the club has consequently surged ahead in securing his signature. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper, often hailed as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers, became available after PSG sanctioned his departure, having secured Lucas Chevalier as his successor.
Manchester United had previously shown interest in Donnarumma, but their attention has now shifted towards Senne Lammens, preferring him over Emiliano Martinez. This scenario paved the way for Man City, with Fabrizio Romano endorsing the Italian’s imminent move to the Etihad, giving it his signature ‘here we go’ seal on Monday morning.
Romano took to X to make the announcement: “EXCLUSIVE: Gigio Donnarumma to Manchester City, HERE WE GO! Deal sealed for the Italian GK to join Man City from PSG. Medical set for this afternoon. Long-term agreement was clinched weeks ago, with everything in place between the clubs after Éderson’s switch to Fenerbahçe.”
Donnarumma is anticipated to take over from Ederson and will vie with James Trafford for the mantle of Man City’s principal goalkeeper. Romano further affirmed that the Italian has put pen to paper on his long-term contract.
Meanwhile, as Manuel Akanji edges closer to a move to Serie A powerhouse Inter Milan, Ilkay Gundogan is also on the radar for an exit before the window slams shut. Romano corroborated that an agreement exists between Man City and Galatasaray for Gundogan, pending his nod to the deal.
Romano disclosed on X: “BREAKING: Galatasaray and Man City have agreed on a deal for Ilkay Gündogan. He’s set to leave City with club authorization, pending the player’s consent to a two-year deal. Gala are poised to arrange his travel if Gündo grants approval.”
German journalist Florian Plettenberg also weighed in, suggesting the veteran midfielder might undertake his medical as soon as tomorrow. Plettenberg reported on X: “BREAKING | Galatasaray are negotiating a last-minute transfer for Ilkay #Gündogan and remain upbeat about completing it! Agreement with Man City is locked in; Gundogan must now align with Galatasaray.”
Plettenberg further revealed: “EXCLUSIVE | Should Ilkay #Gündogan concur with Galatasaray, he will sign a contract through 2027 and undergo his medical tomorrow.” The Turkish outfit appears to be in no hurry, as the Turkish transfer window does not shut until September 12.
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