It has been suggested that one club have ruled themselves out of signing a certain key Manchester City player now.
Pep Guardiola would be hoping to keep a majority of his best players at the club — having coped with the exits of big names like Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Raheem Sterling in recent years.
Season after season, the Manchester City boss has showcased his knack of ensuring his side remain at the top, come what may in terms of their squad depth.
However, with Arsenal getting better and better every season, it would become too difficult a task for Guardiola to continue working his miracles while some of his most trusted players keep departing the club.
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Al-Nassr closing in on Bento signing amid Ederson links
It was claimed on Tuesday that while Ederson Moraes had agreed a move to Al-Nassr, Manchester City were dissatisfied by the Saudi Pro League club only being willing to offer £25.2 million for his signature — with their demand being £42 million.
Earlier that day, it was reported that the Saudi Arabian side have decided to pull out of the negotiations to sign Ederson.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Al-Nassr had identified Bento as one of their primary targets due to this being the case.
Now, Romano has also attached his signature ‘Here we go’ catchprase to Al-Nassr looking set to sign the Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper for €18 million (£15.1 million) — which could mean their efforts to sign Ederson are officially over and done with.
Ederson seems set to stay at Manchester City
It seemed like the Saudi Pro League heavyweights were the primary contenders in the race to sign the Sky Blues’ number 31.
But now that Al-Nassr seem to be closing in a move for Bento, Ederson could be destined to stay at Manchester City.
A few weeks ago, it was revealed by Fabrizio Romano that in case the decorated goalkeeper left the club, Stefan Ortega was identified as his replacement.
As brilliant a goalkeeper as Ortega is, Ederson is up there with the likes of Alisson Becker and Mike Maignan as one of the best and most consistent players in his position in world football over the past few years.
If the 30-year-old decides to stay at the Etihad Stadium, City have every reason to be over the moon — as his quality, leadership and experience remains invaluable to them.
