Premier League leaders Manchester City and La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly targeting Velez Sarsfield star Thiago Almata.
Barcelona are interested in signing the ‘new Lionel Messi’ but Thiago Almada is likely to be too expensive for the La Liga champions in waiting this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Sun reported a few days ago that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made Almada one of his top summer targets despite the fact he will only turn 18 this week.
The Velez Sarsfield forward is renowned for his speed and dribbling ability, drawing comparisons with Barca’s legendary number ten, and the report added that City were willing to pay £20 million to lure him to The Etihad.
And, in a potential boost to the Premier League leaders, Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona could be priced out of a deal for Almata this summer.
It is no surprise that Ernesto Valverde’s side have been so heavily linked with a player who is seen by many as Brazil’s answer to Messi.
But it seems that paying a fee in excess of £20 million is simply too rich for a club who will be looking to raise funds by selling a number of fringe players over the summer.
The door could be open for City to make another hugely exciting attacking addition.
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