Matheus Nunes has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid — despite joining Manchester City as recently as in the summer of 2023 — where he started just 16 games in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid were keen to sign Nunes on loan, as per Fabrizio Romano.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that City had not ruled Nunes’ exit out before the end of the ongoing summer transfer window.
However, a report on Tuesday stated that Nunes wishes to stay at Manchester City as his ambition remains to succeed at the club.
Don Hutchison feels Nunes must have a top season after being a fringe player during his debut campaign.
The £54 million man will be determined to redeem himself in a City shirt after his initial season — where he was merely a squad player and his side seemingly did not miss his absence on their way to winning the Premier League.
Nunes will be aware of how difficult a task he has on his hands, however.
- Who is Matheus Nunes? Get to know the midfielder
Romano drops Atletico Madrid update that indicates Nunes’ Man City future
In the cases of Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish and Joao Cancelo, even though they struggled in their debut seasons at the Etihad Stadium, the club did not sign a player in their position in the following season.
As a result, the aforementioned names could look forward to a fresh start.
But City have signed Ilkay Gundogan this summer — a player who is expected to feature heavily in Pep Guardiola’s starting line-ups.
With that being the case, the former Wolves midfielder has every reason to be concerned about the minutes he will be given this season.
At the Molineux Stadium, the 26-year-old was a regular starter; making his time at City one where he must have had to adapt not to being one of the first names on the team sheet.
However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Atletico Madrid are looking to sign a brand-new midfielder and Sofyan Amrabat is one of their primary targets.
Diego Simeone is believed to be especially keen on the move.
However, it has been reported that a deal for the Moroccan international will be a “difficult” one to execute for the Spanish giants.
Atletico Madrid wish to sign the 28-year-old on a season-long loan and while Fenerbahce are willing to do the same — they are also open to an obligation-to-buy clause in the contract; which Fiorentina prefer.
It was also reported on Thursday that Pep Guardiola is happy to keep Nunes at the club as part of his transfer plans this season.
- Man City summer transfer window 2024: Confirmed signings, departures, loan exits and releases
Matheus Nunes should be motivated by Pep Guardiola decision
Nunes should be driven to succeed at Manchester City purely based on the fact that Guardiola reportedly did not approve his exit, either on loan to Atletico Madrid or permanently elsewhere.
The Catalan seemingly feels that the ex-Sporting CP dynamo could contribute to his side’s success this campaign.
Guardiola would be hesitant about too many outgoings in a season where his team are expected to play a staggering number of games.
From Nunes’ perspective, he should be working relentlessly to ensure that the Manchester City boss gives him more of a chance in the side.
Ultimately, the Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder must have joined City with the ambition of being a starter for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Now is the time for Nunes to step up and prove his worth.
