Txiki Begiristain offers ‘truckload of cash’ to bring exciting Flamengo star to City

Manchester City are reportedly prepping an enormous offer to tempt Flamengo into the sale of Matheus Franca – the next big thing in Brazil.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently riding high at the top of the Premier League, enjoying a 10-point cushion to Chelsea. They look ready to claim a fourth title in seven seasons under the Spaniard’s management.

Indeed, the Cityzens look placed to continue their success long after Guardiola has called it quits. That dreaded date is expected to befall City at the end of the 2022/23 season – 18 months from now.

Indeed, they have a number of super-talented youngsters coming through and ready to follow in Phil Foden’s footsteps. As such, the likes of Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Luke Mbete, Josh Wilson Esbrand and Romeo Lavia all come with bright promise.

However, director of football Txiki Begiristain reportedly plans to add Franca to the mix.

The 17-year-old midfield player has been making waves this season with Flamengo, scoring two goals and adding two assist from 20 appearances.

He’s attracting attention from a host of clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid already keeping a close eye on him.

However, as per Bolavip, it is City who look most likely to sign the player. They write that the Blues are ‘offering a truckload of money’ to tempt Flamengo into his sale.

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They reportedly like ‘talents of his profile’ and ‘will not measure efforts’ to ensure they secure his signature.

Furthermore, City are understood to have already made contact with representatives of the player.

The difficulty for City is that Flamengo reportedly stuck a huge €100m release clause in his deal, so are under no pressure to sell.

Indeed, while he won’t command anything like that fee right now, it will take a substantial sum to convince them to Franca.

Matheus Franca in, Nathan Ake out

With City ready to spend big on the teenager, they could offset that spend by cashing in on Nathan Ake.

The 26-year-old cost City £40m in August 2020 but, as expected, is fourth choice at the Etihad.

According to The Sun, West Ham are considering an approach for his signature and face competition from AC Milan.

Stefano Pioli’s side are in a similar situation to the Irons – they need a new centre-half following Simon Kjaer’s knee ligament injury.

Milan appear set to enquire about Ake’s availability before the transfer window closes. However, City will stand firm, according to the report, as they do not want to risk a defensive shortage.

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