Matheus Nunes is surely finished at Man City as door opens to strike deal for replacement
Matheus Nunes’ days at Manchester City could be numbered as we continue to edge towards the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese has played a valuable role for the Citizens since he was converted into a right-back by Pep Guardiola, who has trusted him to start in the backline for almost every big game so far this term.
However, there are still concerns at the Etihad Stadium regarding the 27-year-old’s capability to play in that position long-term, and that has prompted his future at the club to come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
Football Insider revealed last week that replacing Nunes in the starting XI is one of City’s top priorities ahead of next season, and they are set to be presented with a golden opportunity to land Denzel Dumfries as his replacement.
Release clause gives Man City golden chance to sign Denzel Dumfries
Dumfries has been on City’s radar in several of the most recent transfer windows, and they made a sustained attempt to bring him in last summer, but they were ultimately unsuccessful.
The addition of a specialist right-back has eluded them many times in recent years, but they may finally be about to change that this summer, after a huge development regarding Dumfries’ future at Inter Milan.
The 29-year-old has now spent the last five seasons at the San Siro, but he may finally move on for a new challenge this summer, as a £21.9million release clause is set to become active in his contract, according to Tutto Mercato.
It is understood that the clause can be triggered in July, leaving a whole month of opportunity for Guardiola and Co. to reignite their long-term pursuit and finally seal a deal for him.
Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the Netherlands international, but the opportunity to strike a cut-price deal this summer means that City may never get a better chance to land him.
They have been trying to find a solution to upgrade on Nunes in recent weeks, and it is surely now a no-brainer for them to make advancements towards Dumfries.
City set for youth vs experience choice for next right-back signing
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that City are also keen on the idea of a move for Juventus starlet Andrea Cambiaso to address their full-back issues.
The 20-year-old is comfortable operating on either side of the defence, and could potentially leave City with a difficult decision to make ahead of next season.
If the Citizens were to reignite their interest in Dumfries, they would be left to decide between an up-and-coming emerging talent, who could potentially have a big future ahead of him, and an experienced head who has been there and done it at the top level.
Dumfries’ career has taken him into Champions League finals and European Championship semi-finals, and Guardiola may value his know-how over the idea of another young star.