Manchester City close in on £8.2m signing of Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone

Manchester City close in on £8.2m signing of Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone… with Pep guardiola’s side also in talks with Ilkay Gundogan over a new contract 

  • Deal for Maximo Perrone was held up as Velez wanted the tax paid on his fee
  • He is expected to sign for City after the South America U20 Championship 
  • Ilkay Gundogan has an offer to join Laliga giants Barcelona in the summer 

Manchester City are finalising terms for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone. 

The 20-year-old’s deal was understood to be held up as Velez wanted the tax paid on his fee also with the deal now costing around £8.2million, above his buy-out clause.

Perrone is expected to sign for City after his participation in the South America U20 Championship with Argentina. 

Manchester City are finalising terms for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone (above)

He is expected to sign for City after his participation in the South America U20 Championship

He is expected to sign for City after his participation in the South America U20 Championship 

Perrone has been on the radar of Premier League sides Wolves and Newcastle, as well as Portuguese outfit Benfica, but City are set to win the race for the youngster. 

Velez Sarsfield are based in the neighbourhood of Liniers on the edge of Buenos Aires and play in the Argentinian Primera Division. 

Velez president Sergio Rapisarda has confirmed the talks are ongoing and admitted that Perrone is determined to leave.

‘The boy, he wants to go,’ Rapisarda said, as per Garre. ‘The City coach called him three times, [Javier] Mascherano also persuaded him, which I don’t like.

Man City are also in talks with Ilkay Gundogan over a new deal before the summer

Man City are also in talks with Ilkay Gundogan over a new deal before the summer 

‘The boy loves the coach of that club. We are going to take the risk. We are trying to be the best in the transfer and with numbers that favour Velez.’ 

Meanwhile, City have opened talks over a new contract for Ilkay Gundogan who has an offer to join Barcelona in the summer. 

Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing as City manager, joining the club in 2016 for £20million from Borussia Dortmund – and has scored 51 goals for the side in 278 appearances in total.

He has won four Premier League titles during his six years in Manchester, as well as four League Cups and an FA Cup.

The playmaker will be hoping to add more silverware this season before either leaving or staying at the club at the end of the campaign.

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