Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club have seen an opening offer of £30m for left-back Marc Cucurella rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old is believed to be Pep Guardiola’s primary target for the remainder of the summer window, as he looks to replace Arsenal-bound Oleksandr Zinchenko.
City have allegedly agreed to sell Zinchenko for an initial £30m and the Ukraine international has also agreed personal terms on a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
On Wednesday, Zinchenko was spotted wearing Arsenal’s training kit in Orlando, where the Gunners are based for their pre-season tour of the USA.
With Zinchenko heading for the exit door, City have now stepped up their efforts to recruit Cucurella, although as things stand there is still some distance between themselves and Brighton over a transfer fee for the Spaniard.
According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions have tabled an opening offer of around £30m, a similar fee they are to receive from Arsenal for Zinchenko, but their bid has been rejected by Brighton.
The report adds that City are willing to increase their initial offer for Cucurella, but are prepared to walk away from the deal if Brighton refuse to lower their £50m valuation.
Negotiations between both clubs are thought to be in the early stages and further talks are set to take place in the coming days.
The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
“As expected.”
Credit: @HaaIandEra
“I would reject it too – ridiculous bid.”
Credit: @SleepyB28845305
“We are taking the piss here. 30mil is too little, offer them 45mil and get it over the line already ffs..”
Credit: @frenzybaiter
“This is city’s fault not Brighton. We’re taking the piss with that offer..”
Credit: @mbaalthani8
“£30m was never going to be accepted. We’re going to have to pay £45m minimum I think.”
Credit: @Arron140390
“He’s worth more than that tbf. 40-50m still would be a great signing for us.”
Credit: @Gabi9Goal
“£30m was never going to be accepted. We’re going to have to pay £45m minimum I think.”
Credit: @Arron140390
“Despite City demanded £50m for 4th choice CB, why City think £30m is enough to sign Brighton’s player of the year? If Pep desires Cucurella, just pay it now..”
Credit: @soboronicus
