‘He wants to go’: Guardiola learns Argentine target wants Man City transfer, with club also keen to extend striker deal

Manchester City have reportedly seen an opening offer for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone fail – but claims by his club president that he wants the move have seriously lifted the Blues.

City are still to make a splash in the January transfer window with Pep Guardiola only planning minor additions. Indeed, the Blues boss has only made one new addition in each of the previous two winter windows. In 2021, the Blues added Filip Stevanovic in a £7.7m deal from Partizan Belgrade, while last year, Julian Alvarez was signed in a £14.1m deal from River Plate.

And it seems Guardiola is continuing that modest approach in his actions this January too, with most of City’s major dealings saved for the summer months.

However, it seems the club are making progress on the capture of 20-year-old Argentina starlet Perrone.

The Argentina U20 midfielder has been turning heads with his performances this year. And with a modest £7.1m exit clause in his deal, a number of clubs are looking to swoop in.

That chase was seemingly being led by Newcastle – but it seems a possible move to St James’ Park has been hijacked by the Cityzens.

Now Velez president Sergio Rapisarda has confirmed talks with City over the prospective transfer. And while he says their first offer has fallen short, the player’s wish to make the move suggests a deal will happen.

Speaking to Velez670, Rapisarda said: “I have spoken with the people of City, because we already have a precedent. They handle themselves that way. They were constantly persuading the boy [Garre].

“There is the clause which the players can execute. He should present a note to Agremiados, AFA and the club that is going to execute the clause.”

Perrone wants Man City move

“Yes, the player can authorise a third party to deposit the money. They made an offer, we were not seduced. He is a calibre player.”

Rapisarda went on to confirm that Perrone is keen to make the move to England. However, the president is also critical of Argentina U20s coach Javier Mascherano for his role in the potential swoop.

“The boy, he wants to go,” Rapisarda added. “The City coach called him three times, [Javier] Mascherano also persuaded him, which I don’t like.

“The boy loves the coach of that club. We are going to take the risk. We are trying to be the best in the transfer and with numbers that favour Velez.”

Perrone made his Velez debut last year and has gone on to make 33 appearances, scoring three times. Tipped as a future Argentina international, the move to the Premier League could help take his game on to the next level.

And after witnessing the success enjoyed by the last Argentinian import to Man City in Alvarez, have, Perrone will also hope to develop just as quickly.

City in talks to extend Julian Alvarez contract

Meanwhile, the quick impact Alvarez has had at Man City is set to earn the striker a payrise already.

After signing for the club this time last year, the striker was allowed to see out the season with River Plate. Signing on a deal to 2027, City are under no pressure to extend his deal any time soon.

However, his impact at the club has already impressed Guardiola. Indeed, he has eight goals and two assists for City despite playing only a bit-part role. And his four goal involvements (two goals, two assists) in just 412 Champions League minutes proves his undoubted abilities.

Now, according to Veronica Brunati of Telemundo Deportes, Alvarez has already agreed to improved terms in that deal. And she claims the new arrangement will take effect in the coming weeks with an announcement soon to follow from City.

Talks over an extension were planned prior to the World Cup. However, the striker’s four-goal heroics for the world champions has fully convinced the club to tie him down to a new and improved deal.

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