Manchester City ‘losing ground’ in striker race with huge release clause

Manchester City are ‘losing ground’ in the race for a Brazilian goalscorer Yuri Alberto, according to reports.

It has been said countless times that City are in the market for a natural striker. Despite the success of the false nine system, Pep Guardiola is keen to add a clinical finisher to his ranks.

Guardiola is in need of a new forward after Sergio Aguero left in the summer. He was hoping to land Harry Kane but the Citizens could not complete a deal.

Internacional’s Yuri Alberto is one man on their wish list. Brazilian journalist Juliano Machado confirmed earlier this week that City are interested in signing the 20-year-old striker, with that information being directly confirmed by the player’s agent, André Cury. 

According to Sport Witness, citing reports in the Brazilian press, Italian giants AC Milan have moved ahead of City in the race for his signature.

They look set to pay around €20m for his signature. That’s despite his release clause being worth an astonishing €80m.

The news means City will have to act fast if they want Alberto to become Aguero’s successor. The youngster has netted 28 times and is now starting to make a major impression around Europe.

If City were to sign Alberto in coming months, he would likely follow the same development path as Jesus and not be sprung into the limelight too early.