Report: City could sell ‘exciting’ 2020 Arsenal target after ‘immense’ season

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Manchester City could reportedly sell Brazilian defender Yan Couto following an incredible year out on loan, with the fullback a target for Arsenal in 2020 before his move to England.

According to UOL Esporte via A Bola, the likes of Olympique Marseille and FC Porto are interested in the 20-year-old fullback, who has just returned to City after an ‘immense’ season with SC Braga, where Couto was a regular for the Portuguese club.

City signed Couto in 2020, beating the likes of Arsenal to the Brazilian’s signature in one of the many moves the Manchester giants have made in bringing quality South Americans to the Etihad Stadium, however, the defender could now be sold.

Indeed, City have been somewhat ruthless this summer in selling some of their brightest prospects, with the likes of Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia signing for Southampton and Darko Gyabi departing for Leeds United, with talented defender CJ Egan-Riley also joining Burnley.

And now, Couto could be the next on the list for City, though as things stand, the defender is more than likely to leave the club on loan given that the fullback’s contract runs until 2025, giving the likes of Marseille and Porto little negotiating power over a permanent move.

Labelled as an ‘exciting’ talent by Total Football Analysis, Couto could well become a regular for City in the coming years, and whilst the opportunity to sell the defender is there, it appears that the club are making a smart decision looking for a loan move for next season.

City selling Couto now would be a big mistake

City have been swift in their gutting of the youth sides this summer, with more departures set to come in the upcoming weeks, though selling Couto would be a big mistake for the Premier League champions given how talented the youngster is.

Indeed, Couto was a regular for Braga last season and this summer looks set to join a UEFA Champions League side on loan, and with Kyle Walker heading into the final best years of bis career, the South American could be a brilliant long-term replacement for the England superstar.