MANCHESTER CITY look set to swoop on the freshest talent coming out of Gremio — the Brazilian club that brought ex-Barcelona star Ronaldinho to the attention of the world.
City are positioning themselves ahead of Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign 18-year-old attacking midfielder Gustavo Nunes.
AlamyManchester City are ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Gremio teen Gustavo Nunes[/caption]
Gustavinho, as Gremio fans have dubbed him, only made his senior debut in February after impressing for the Porto Alegre club’s youth team at the prestigious Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores.
He scored three goals during Gremio’s run to the last 16 of that competition and instantly caught the eye of five English clubs.
Reports in Brazil claim Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City, alongside the Premier League’s top three, have also enquired about the teenager.
Gremio are not ready to part with their young revelation, who recently renewed his contract until the end of 2028.
But GZH Portal states the player’s agents have been informed that City will submit an offer of £18m for Gustavinho as soon as the summer transfer window opens.
Gremio, who own 70% of his economic rights, are looking for a higher fee and may wait to see if any other European clubs are ready to rival City’s interest.
The Manchester club, who have established a network of clubs across South America that includes Brazilian top-flight outfit Bahia, have increasingly been targeting talent in the region.
Last January they snapped up Argentine playmaker Claudio Etcheverri from River Plate, the club they raided for Julian Alvarez in 2022.
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That same year City Football Group agreed a deal to sign winger Savinho from Atletico Mineiro for £5million up front and a similar amount in variables.
Within 18 months, the 20-year-old has quadrupled in value and will become the newest Brazilian addition to Pep Guardiola‘s squad later this year.
City chiefs will have a similar progression plan in place for Gustavinho, who will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Gremio greats Ronaldinho and ex-Manchester United midfielder Anderson to a glorious career in Europe.