In a dramatic turn of events, Manchester City has set their sights on Wolves’ midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to The Athletic. Despite having a strong start to the Premier League season and winning the UEFA Super Cup, Pep Guardiola believes his squad could use further bolstering. The question is: Will Wolves entertain such a late move?
The Midfield Puzzle for Guardiola
Guardiola’s side has had some notable personnel changes in the midfield. Ilkay Gundogan’s departure left a void in the team, only partially filled by the arrival of Mateo Kovacic. However, Guardiola doesn’t see Kovacic as Gundogan’s direct replacement. Their failed pursuit of Declan Rice and Arsenal’s unnamed midfielder shows that the team is still in the market for more. An FA-led inquiry concerning betting breaches connected to Brazilian Lucas Paqueta has even derailed their almost-done deal with the West Ham midfielder. Now, the Catalan manager is getting desperate as the transfer window shrinks.
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Why Matheus Nunes?
Enter Matheus Nunes. The 24-year-old Brazilian made a splash in the Premier League last season after his transfer from Sporting CP. He has even caught the attention of big clubs like Liverpool, although that interest seems to have cooled. This season, he’s started brightly, turning heads once again. For Guardiola, Nunes could be the missing piece of the puzzle in the City midfield. However, there are challenges to face.
Wolves’ Reluctance
First, let’s talk about Wolves. They’re not keen on letting go of Nunes, especially this late in the transfer window. But their financial situation might force their hand. If City wants to even start negotiations, they’ll need to make an offer that Wolves can’t refuse. It’s a high-stakes situation, considering Wolves paid between £35-40 million for Nunes and would likely demand a significant profit.
The Financial Aspect
Moreover, City has shown they are not afraid to splash the cash. They lodged a massive offer for Paqueta earlier, giving us an idea of what they’re willing to spend. If they’re serious about signing Nunes, they might have to dig deep into their pockets once again.
Other Options and Complications
On the side, City is also exploring other options like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. A move for any player at this late stage will undoubtedly come with its set of complications. It’s not just about the money but also about integrating a new player into the squad with the season already underway.
The Clock is Ticking
With the transfer window closing soon, Guardiola faces a race against time. If he wants to solidify his midfield with a quality addition, he’ll need to act fast. Nunes is a high-quality option, but signing him comes with its own set of challenges, financial and otherwise.
Opinion
The pursuit of Matheus Nunes adds another layer of intrigue to Manchester City’s already complex transfer window. Guardiola needs to weigh his options carefully. He’s running out of time, and the Nunes deal is fraught with complexities. One thing is clear: if City wants to land Nunes, they’ll have to move quickly and decisively. The next few days will be critical in shaping Manchester City’s season and perhaps, their future.
