Transfer news: City linked with Messi, Alexi and Faouzi!
Well, it’s that time of the year again. We are not in January, not yet, but that hasn’t stopped the gossip gears from turning. Depending on which outlet you choose, and on which day you choose it, City are after a host of names. I will focus on just a few of the bigger ones here.
Looking at the importance of the player for this current City squad and the chance the transfer actually has of happening. What should we make of these rumors and, if all these come off, what would it mean for some of our current players?
Faouzi Ghoulam:
The 26-year-old Algerian player seems to be Peps number one target to cover for Benjamin Mendy at left back. Certainly Danilo could play there as well as Fabian Delph but Pep demands more. Some reports suggest City could be getting him for a cut price fee, others suggest we’ll not get him at all.
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For me, the talk of negotiations with Napoli for a new contract, means little. When he visits the Etihad, with his side for our Champions League fixture, he could have signed a new deal. Potentially all that does though is secure Napoli the right to ask for a bigger fee. The question is, if that happens, will that put the Blues off? Will they consider other options for that position.
If a left back does come in I am not sure it does much for Mendy. He will almost certainly be first choice when fit. The concern for me comes for Delph. Danilo was always going to be backup, mostly for Walker, and that should continue. For Delph it could seal the end of his fight back for a place in the City lineup.
Alexis Sanchez:
With Chile not participating in next summers World Cup, what will his mood be at Arsenal? Certainly that was factored into Arsene Wengers thought process when blocking the move this summer. The thought was that, although he didn’t want to be at Arsenal, he’d commit because it was a World Cup year. Now, that is no longer the case.
It may force Wenger to cash in during the January transfer window, with City being high on the Chileans desired destination. PSG are reportedly also interested, and that is where Wenger would prefer he goes.
Money will have to exchange hands if City are to get their man in January. It seems Pep is determined. That’s what they’ll have to do if the Parisians are serious in their pursuit. Although with FIFA looking over their business, maybe PSG will stay clear of Sanchez.
The concern is with Aguero here. Earlier on in the season it wasn’t clear if the Argentinian would be part of plans going forward. So close to becoming Manchester City’s all-time scorer, if he were to be moved on in January, it would be fitting that he had that record.
Next: Sergio Aguero back in training
Lionel Messi:
It wouldn’t be a transfer rumor report if Manchester City were not linked with Lionel Messi. This time though it does seem in the realm of possibility. The departure of Neymar, when no one thought he’d leave Barcelona, has proven even the mighty La Liga side can have their talent poached from under their noses.
Tax issues in Spain, along with the political unrest regarding the independence vote, could see him move. A contract, still unsigned, had Manchester City accountants and lawyers scrambling. Apparently a package has been formulated, Messi’s inner circle has been in discussion and so, we wait.