Man City now hold club-to-club talks to sign "world-class" star for £22m

Manchester City have now opened club-to-club talks over a deal for a "world-class" player, who may now be available at a 50% discount, according to a report.

City open account with dominant victory at Molineux

After falling way below their usual lofty standards last season, Man City may feel as though they have been somewhat written off, with several pundits predicting that Arsenal will finally end their long wait to win the Premier League title.

For instance, Roy Keane believes Mikel Arteta's side will be able to get over the line, despite City making a solid addition between the sticks, saying: "I never usually bet against Pep and City. I just think maybe defensively, and I know that they’ve thrown James Trafford in there, and I think he’s a really top goalkeeper but I just have that gut feeling that I think Arsenal might do it this year."

City laid down a marker in their opening game of the season, however, with their attacking quality on full show in a 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, while Trafford kept a clean sheet, in what was a solid first competitive outing.

Statistic Number completed Saves from inside box 3 Runs out (succ) 3 High claims 1

As such, Pep Guardiola may not need to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, but the manager is clearly still keen to get another one through the door, having entered club-to-club talks over a deal for another shot-stopper.

Indeed, according to a report from Football Italia, Man City have now entered direct negotiations over a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma, with discussions progressing considerably over the past 24 hours.

PSG were initially set to hold out for a fee of €45m - €50m (£39m - £44m), but City have made it clear they are not willing to pay that, and a deal could be possible for around £19.5m - £22m, which would be a 50% discount.

The French club are aware they will lose the goalkeeper on a free transfer next summer, and they are eager to save on his huge salary, meaning the Blues should be able to hash out a deal before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Donnarumma could be "world-class" addition to Pep's squad

It is surprising that PSG are willing to sanction the Italian shot-stopper's departure, given that he was their number one throughout their Champions League-winning 2024-25 campaign, while the 26-year-old has also caught the eye at international level in the past.

As such, it is clear to see why City hold an interest in the former AC Milan goalkeeper, but it seems a little harsh on Trafford, given that the 22-year-old is ready to be first-choice, rather than a back-up.

The situation that unfolded at Arsenal, with Aaron Ramsdale leaving after David Raya's arrival, proves that clubs simply cannot have two top goalkeepers on the books at the same time, so it would be strange to bring in Donnarumma this summer.

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