Manchester City now ‘serious’ about signing of Serie A midfielder with Pep Guardiola impressed | OneFootball

Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly ‘serious’ about the potential signing of Atalanta and Brazil international midfielder, Éderson.

It is the latest big-name defensive midfield star from across Europe to be linked with a big-money move to Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff continue to test out solutions in the absence of Rodri.

The Spaniard made his first return to the Etihad Stadium pitch on Saturday evening after his double knee injury in September that ruled him out for the remainder of the season, but only to present his historic Ballon d’Or title to the Manchester City faithful.

What followed afterwards would likely leave the 28-year-old stunned, and further highlight the desperate need for Manchester City to recruit in his role when the transfer window reopens in January, as Pep Guardiola’s side succumbed to a 0-4 loss against Tottenham.

Reports emerging from Italy have now seen the Premier League champions linked with a move for one of the country’s finest talents in the centre of the park, and a name that is likely to attract widespread attention across the continent in the coming weeks.

According to the information of Italian newspaper Calciomercato, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are ‘serious’ about signing Atalanta’s ever-impressive and versatile midfielder, Éderson.

It is explained that whilst Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race for the Brazil international, it is Pep Guardiola’s side who are currently leading the race, and that should come as no surprise given the long-term injury to Rodri.

Manager Guardiola is said to have been left impressed by the Atalanta star’s constant improvement over the past two seasons and believes he is a player that can elevate his side’s central role standards.

However, in a stance that could come as a major blow to Manchester City given their current situation in midfield, it is claimed that Atalanta do not want to sell in January unless a huge offer arrives, with the current asking price being €60 million.

It remains to be seen whether Txiki Begiristain and his transfer-focussed colleagues will deem it necessary to invest so heavily in the middle of the season, but five losses in a row across competitions have certainly drawn attention to a clear need for improvements.

Manchester City have been linked with a varying list of names since Rodri first sustained his injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal earlier this season, with many in the game believing that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi could be the ultimate candidate due to versatility.

However, City’s list of options will be far from restricted, and the Etihad Stadium club are known to be admirers in the likes of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, as well as Torino’s Samuele Ricci among others.