Nottingham Forest are plotting a summer move for Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee as a possible replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to the Telegraph. Gibbs-White, 25, is reportedly one of City’s main targets to replace the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne in the summer.
McAtee, who was born in Salford and joined the club’s academy at age ten, has found first-team opportunities to be few and far between for Pep Guardiola’s side and faces an uncertain future at the Etihad. The 22-year-old is reportedly eyeing a summer move to a club where he would get regular first-team football, and Forest are one of several parties with a strong interest.
Nottingham Forest Target Manchester City’s James McAtee
Why Are Nottingham Forest Interested in McAtee?
Although restricted to just two Premier League starts this season, the 22-year-old has impressed when given first-team opportunities. He has scored seven goals in just 885 minutes of game time, including a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup and a first Champions League goal against Slovan Bratislava.
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The attacking midfielder’s contract expires next summer, and considering that he wants to leave, it seems likely that the Cityzens will cash in on McAtee this summer, although Pep Guardiola has made no secret of the fact that he wants to keep the youngster at the Etihad. After the 22-year-old scored a delightful goal against Crystal Palace on April 22, the City manager declared: “I would like him to stay.”
The youngster would be joining a number of talented young players that Forest have signed from elsewhere in the Premier League, including Elliot Anderson and Anthony Elanga, both 22, who have developed significantly at the City Ground.
How Similar is James McAtee to Morgan Gibbs-White?
Nottingham Forest’s move for the midfielder likely depends on the future of star man Gibbs-White, whom Man City are strongly considering to replace Kevin de Bruyne. If the attacker does make the move to the Etihad, then 22-year-old McAtee would naturally slot into Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in his place.
McAtee is a highly technical player who excels in tight spaces and possesses an outstanding eye for a pass, something which has earned him the nickname “Salford Silva”, courtesy of his similar playstyle to the City legend. With Gibbs-White serving as Forest’s prime creator, the 22-year-old would be given a lot of responsibility in Nuno’s setup, but also the opportunity to grow and improve through the regular Premier League game time that he has struggled for.
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Both attacking midfielders have quick feet, intelligent link-up play, and the ability to play in several positions, with McAtee capable of playing both out wide and deeper in midfield. The only slight difference between the two is Gibbs-White’s superior physicality, which makes him highly effective in duels and out of possession, so the Man City man may need to bulk up slightly to fit Nuno’s style of play.
Which Other Clubs Are Interested?
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly interested, especially if the £100 million-rated Florian Wirtz were to move to Manchester City. Xabi Alonso’s side actually had a loan offer for McAtee rejected in the January transfer window, which reportedly contained a £25 million option to buy.
According to The Sun, rivals Manchester United are also plotting a shock swoop for the England U21 international, but it remains to be seen whether he would want to make the controversial move to Old Trafford.
