According to The Sun, Manchester City are pushing to win the race to sign Velez Sarsfield ace Thiago Almada amid links to Arsenal.
It’s claimed that Pep Guardiola sees Almada as David Silva’s long-term heir at City. Despite having Phil Foden – another left-footed, creative midfielder – it seems Almada is wanted.
Manchester United joining the race has seemingly sparked City into life again, having failed to agree a price for the teenager a year ago.
A £15million deal would be required to tempt Velez. Almada is thought to be keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium, and his admiration of Carlos Tevez means he wants to play for City.
Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that Arsenal are in the race for Almada. The Gunners found a star in South America last year in Gabriel Martinelli, and may want to repeat the trick with Almada.
A quick and skilful number 10, Almada has already impressed for Velez. In 46 games, Almada has hit nine goals and four assists over in Argentina, showing real promise.
With Mesut Ozil in his 30’s, landing a natural number 10 for the future like Almada would be ideal, giving Mikel Arteta another talented prospect to work with.
Yet it now looks like Arteta’s former boss Guardiola will push for the 19-year-old, potentially leaving Arsenal to go back to the drawing board.
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