Manchester City do not like to give up on the players they sign, although Ilkay Gundogan’s arrival has created exceptional circumstances

Manchester City do not like to give up on the players they sign, although Ilkay Gundogan’s arrival has created exceptional circumstances

Matheus Nunes was a late substitute against Ipswich

Matheus Nunes was a late substitute against Ipswich

Amid all the positives that came with it, Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City was not good news for at least two members of the current squad.

 

Matheus Nunes and James McAtee are both trying to prove themselves under Pep Guardiola yet will find their minutes threatened by the arrival of a player who has not only been there and done it all but showed last season in a new league that his standards are still sky-high. When it came to turning to the bench on Saturday against Ipswich, it was Gundogan who got the nod first.

 

If you’re reading into these things, both Nunes and McAtee could feel that they would or could have been that change a week earlier. And if you’re Nunes, you’re probably not happy either that McAtee was introduced alongside you later in the game as a substitute.

 

While City may not have the biggest squad, everyone in it needs to feel that they can make meaningful contributions. With so much competition for those midfield roles, Gundogan’s return may well have left the sense that there is one too many.

 

McAtee would not be short of interest if he pushed for a move – Chelsea led the way earlier in the summer despite Guardiola being insistent to Txiki Begiristain that the youngster be kept – but more intriguing is Atletico considering a move for Nunes. City haven’t received any offer yet, although any proposal is expected to be a loan rather than a permanent sale.

 

The player himself must decide what he wants for the season, weighing up the challenge of getting minutes at City in an environment he knows versus the appeal of more regular game time albeit in another new setting. That choice will determine whether the Blues have their own to make or not.

 

If the 26-year-old is open to leaving, it puts City in a tricky spot. They don’t normally allow established members of the first team squad to leave on a straight loan, but then they don’t normally sign 33-year-olds for no money of the quality and experience that Gundogan possesses.

 

It would feel like an admission of failure to allow Nunes to go just 12 months after he was brought in for £51m, although there is every chance that next summer they could welcome him back as a better player – or get a permanent offer for him. While the playing style is markedly different, the last midfielder City signed from Atletico is now one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or.

 

A loan is almost always the end of a first-teamer’s hopes of making it in the City team; Oleksandr Zinchenko is the only exception to the rule. However, having already strayed from one transfer principle to bring Gundogan in for the short-term benefit Nunes may be better off spending that time away from the Etihad if he is to ultimately come good for Guardiola.

 

 

Manchester City could be set for an exciting end to the summer transfer window with deadline day looming large

Pep Guardiola shares a joke with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola shares a joke with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland

Manchester City are reportedly targeting a move for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson before the window closes.

 

According to Football Transfers, Pep Guardiola’s recruitment team has identified Ferguson as the perfect addition to the club’s forward line this summer. The 19-year-old impressed for the Seagulls in his debut campaign in the Premier League where he scored six goals in 19 appearances.

 

However last season was a struggle for the striker as injuries curtailed his momentum early. Ferguson has yet to make an appearance for Brighton this season but could make a return to the pitch in midweek during the Carabao Cup tie with Crawley Town.

 

Arsenal are also thought to be interested with the striker valued at £70m by the South Coast club. City could push hard for the deal considering they need to replace Julian Alvarez who joined Atletico Madrid earlier this window in the search for more game time.

 

Speaking of the La Liga club, they reportedly want to return to City to complete a double swoop this summer. According to The Athletic, Diego Simeone’s side would be open to the prospect of bringing Matheus Nunes in on loan.

 

City are thought to be undecided on their midfielder’s future and have yet to receive an offer for Nunes’ services. However, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has failed to break into the City team this past season which has led to speculation he could leave.

 

Plus, after Ilkay Gundogan made a shock return from Barcelona last week, Nunes looks to have been pushed further down the pecking order. Should Nunes move to the Spanish capital he will join a midfield that has already been strengthened by Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher this season.