Man City could unearth next Gabriel Martinelli after source’s reveal – pundit
Kevin Campbell has claimed the owners of Man City are looking to start “a conveyor belt” of Brazilian talent by taking over Bahia.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker suggested the plans could help the Cityzens unearth the next Gabriel Martinelli.
It was widely reported in September that City Football Group (CFG) had submitted a formal proposal to acquire a 90 per cent stake in Brazilian second-division side Bahia.
Sources have told Football Insider (11 October) that CFG are waiting on Bahia to complete in-house checks and balances as they put the finishing touches to a takeover.
As reported by Reuters (29 August), Bahia president Guilherme Bellintani has previously confirmed that the buyout is worth £114million.
When asked by Football Insider for the possible reasoning behind CFG’s decision to pursue the takeover, Campbell said: “City want to get a school there.
“That is what they are trying to do. They want to start a conveyor belt of top young kids from Brazil.
“Look at the likes of Martinelli, Arsenal got him for £6million. What is he worth now?
“Brazilian players are hungry, football is in their blood.
“City Football Group are smart in the way they do things. To get Brazilian youngsters on their books and develop them in their way it is smart move. They can then move them around their clubs as they please.”
In other news, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been ridiculed by a pundit after quotes emerge – ‘I’m not having this’.