By Willow Austin
Published on 2024-06-06 17:48:55
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will add to his star-studded squad in the summer and the £103 Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has been identified as one of his targets.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Pep and the Premier League champions are ready to battle with other top European clubs for the signature of the young, talented midfielder who could serve as a long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
Other Premier League clubs who have also shown interest in the youngster include Manchester United and Arsenal. Therefore, bringing the Portuguese to the Etihad Stadium might seem difficult for the Sky Blues, but not impossible.
Romano, however, added that none of those teams that have interest in the Benfica starlet have made a tangible offer, stating that they will likely have to pay his £102 million market value to stand a chance of convincing the Portugal team to sell their star player.
“My information there remains that Neves has been scouted by Arsenal, Man United, Man City… all clubs interested but nothing is advanced at this stage, while it’s also important to remember that Neves’ price tag is double compared to Zubimendi as his release clause at Benfica is €120m.”
Joao Neves has been a matter of discussion at the Etihad in recent months as his Portugal international Bernardo Silva claimed that he would like to see his national teammate in a City shirt.
Bernardo further claimed that if he had the power to sign the young midfielder, he wouldn’t hesitate to sign and make the deal a reality. He said: “If I can, I’ll make a move for Joao Neves to go to Man City instead of Man United, of course.”
Neves may be a perfect player for Pep Guardiola, who will want to replace some of the first team players that may likely leave the Premier League champions this summer
