Manchester City have been busy in the first transfer window of the summer as they look to strengthen their ranks ahead of the Club World Cup.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has joined Man City from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Marcus Bettinelli has arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Chelsea.
Manchester City have also completed deals for Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, both of whom are expected to be announced soon.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has now spoken about Bettinelli, whose arrival at City was confirmed on Tuesday.
He shared what City insiders think of the signing of Bettinelli, along with what insiders at Chelsea made of his departure.
Chelsea insiders ‘surprised’ that Marcus Bettinelli was sold to Manchester City
Bailey exclusively told Manchester City News that City are “very happy” with Bettinelli as a replacement for the “hugely popular” Scott Carson.
Bailey also revealed that Bettinelli’s Chelsea departure has surprised many within the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
“They are very happy with him,” Bailey said of City after they announced Bettinelli’s signing.
“He’s got some big shoes to fill at City, with Scott Carson having been a hugely popular figure.
“I am told many are surprised Chelsea were willing to let Bettinelli leave Stamford Bridge.”
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Hugo Viana’s Marcus Bettinelli verdict
City director Hugo Viana couldn’t sing Bettinelli’s praises highly enough after his arrival at the Etihad Stadium was confirmed.
“We’re really pleased that we’ll be adding Marcus to our squad this summer,” Viana told the City media team.
“He’s been in the Premier League for a long time and will bolster what is already a strong goalkeeping unit.
“His experience and mentality will hopefully complement our other senior goalkeepers while ensuring he’s always ready to perform when called upon himself.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans were in near-disbelief at losing Bettinelli, with one supporter saying he was “perfect” for Enzo Maresca.
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan previously described Bettinelli, as per the club’s media team, as a “great friend to so many of us at the club” and a “great mentor to our younger players”.
