The recently appointed Manchester City manager has commented on a player who could depart the club before the transfer window shuts.
The Sky Blues’ central midfielder Nico Gonzalez (Photo: James Gill – Danehouse/Get)
City manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that Newcastle United target Nico Gonzalez is among a number of players who might exit the club before the September 1 transfer deadline.
The Tyneside club are negotiating with Manchester City about a potential move valued at approximately £50m for the midfielder, though they are also believed to be considering other options.
Gonzalez is reported to be open to exploring a switch, though no deal has been reached between the clubs at this stage.
Newcastle are eager to bring in Premier League experience to their midfield engine room, having lost Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, and have identified the Spanish international as a leading contender.
Man City are set to lose multiple squad members, with Rodri moving to Barcelona, Savinho joining Tottenham, and Omar Marmoush potentially following them out the exit door.
Ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth this weekend, Maresca fielded questions about potential departures, including the Gonzalez situation.
The newly arrived City manager stated that with the exception of Rodri, all the others share one characteristic, they received limited game time. When players do not feature regularly they opt to move on. Those names mentioned, except Rodri, are all players who for various reasons did not get much playing opportunity. It becomes difficult to persuade a player to remain when they are determined to leave. This occurred with Rodri and is happening now with Savinho. From his very first day he has expressed his desire to depart so the club is now awaiting that outcome.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle has suggested he is optimistic about completing further business before the September 1 cutoff, though any signings will arrive too late for the opening match against Liverpool on Sunday.
Currently, Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba, Bazoumana Toure and Amar Dedic are prepared to make their league bow for the club, with Lukas Hornicek anticipated to start in goal ahead of fellow newcomer Ewen Jaouen.