Manchester City open talks with Manchester United target Roberto Firmino
Manchester City have opened talks with Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino for a move in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
The midfielder has attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester United over the past few months, and it was reported that United already sealed a deal with the player. However, latest reports suggest that the Brazilian is still in the market and would be available for a fee in the range of £20m ($30m).
City are planning a complete upheaval in the summer with a lot of players expected to leave the club to make way for new recruits. Manuel Pellegrini, who failed to lead his side to a second consecutive league triumph, has his future on the line and is expected to be removed from his position should they fail to finish in the top four.
Firmino will be a good addition to the squad, having already stamped his authority in the Brazil national squad, where he scored the winner in their win over Chile last month. With Yaya Toure set to leave, he will add some much needed threat from the midfield, which has been heavily lacking in City's campaign this season.
However, they are likely to face competition from a lot of clubs across Europe, including Premier League clubs who are also vying for his signature. The player himself has his eyes reportedly set on a move to Bayern Munich, which would allow him to stay in the country and not have to adapt to a different culture altogether.
The Brazilian has previously quashed rumours surrounding his future, but with his talent being acknowledged across Europe, he may be willing to change his mind and accept an offer which suits his career prospects.
"I have a contract with Hoffenheim until 2017 and I am happy, I have developed as a player at this club and just think about playing in it," he told local media according to Todomercadoweb.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.