Manchester City are one of many European clubs interested in signing Nantes left-back Quentin Merlin, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 this season with his side currently eighth in the table. He has started 11 Ligue 1 games this campaign, helping Nantes to a tally of 14 points, leaving the French club just one point off the final European place which Brest currently occupy.
The French Under-21 international has a similar profile to Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez, but the European champions are interested in signing him nonetheless.
According to a report from 90Min, Manchester City have expressed interest in acquiring the talents of Merlin as the January transfer window approaches.
It is claimed that Pep Guardiola’s side are not alone in their desire to sign Merlin. West Ham and Celtic are both also ‘tracking the progress’ of the young defender, who is being ‘tipped’ to receive a France call-up soon.
The competition for the promising player’s signature is not limited to these clubs; Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Napoli have shown keen interest in the player.
Furthermore, Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon have also shown admiration for his abilities, highlighting his high demand in the transfer market.
Merlin is under contract with Nantes until 2026, which gives the club the leverage to command a substantial transfer fee. According to Transfermarkt, he is worth €10million (£8.6million).
Who is Nantes left back Merlin?
Merlin hails from Nantes and first joined his hometown club as a kid in 2012, spending one year there before returning in 2015.
The attack-minded left back has now become a first-team star for Nantes, recording three goals and six assists in 63 games.
Merlin also has nine caps for the French Under-21’s has been turning heads over in France.
Hailed as a ‘very good player’ by boss Pierre Aristouy, Merin is showing huge potential as a left back and as a left-sided midfielder.
