Manchester City appear likely to leave one of their transfer targets at his current club. The Citizens have been trying to lure Wolves into selling them Brazilian midfielder Matheus Nunes, but Pep Guardiola’s side were not willing to meet Wolves’ over £60 million asking price, according to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, and are “prepared to walk away” from the deal.
Manchester City Ready to Leave Matheus Nunes in Wolverhampton
Clubs over £5 Million Apart
Simon Jones further reported in his article for the Daily Mail that City were willing to pay as high as £55 million. That is still short of what Wolves want for Nunes, and at the moment it appears to be enough for the two clubs to end negotiations without a deal.
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The situation for Nunes looks bleak in light of this. While the 25-year-old will be reintegrated back into the starting lineup following his refusal to train, the club has promised disciplinary action for his behaviour.
Gary O’Neil Speaks out
According to Wolves’ coach Gary O’Neil, “I fully expect him [Nunes] to be here come 2 September.” The club’s current expectations are that Guardiola’s team will not make an improved offer. City’s interest in the Brazilian was sparked by the injury to Kevin De Bruyne, and their failure to acquire Luca Paqueta from West Ham United heightened their need to find a midfield replacement.
The English coach has confidence everything will work out for Nunes and Wolves, adding “I’m sure the situation will be resolved.” The BBC Sport article also stated that the collapse of the Nunes deal blocks the transfer of 21-year-old Tommy Doyle from the Manchester club to the Wanderers. Successive loan spells away from the Etihad made the young midfielder a likely target in an almost swap-like transfer.
Where Both Clubs Stand Three Games in
The reigning treble-winners have a perfect nine points from their first three games; the only team in the Premier League to do so. There have been some questions asked whenever they play strong opposition, but Guardiola could still lead this talented team to more glory both domestically and abroad.
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Wolves sit 15th in the table, with one win out of three matches. Not able to afford the potential loss of Nunes, every player on the squad will have to put in their best performances to save the club from relegation again this campaign. O’Neil’s work in the coming months is cut out for him.
Featured image: Gene Hunt. CC BY-SA 3.0
