Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Velez Sarsfield youngster Maher Carrizo, according to a report.
The Cityzens are looking to continue their tradition of snapping up Argentine talent directly from the source. After the brilliant signing of Julian Alvarez and the promise shown by Claudio Echeverri at the Club World Cup, Man City are looking to add another Argentine wonderkid.
The Premier League giants have been associated with a move for Velez Sarsfield youngster Maher Carrizo for several months now, and it appears as though a transfer is finally becoming more concrete.
According to Cesar Luis Merlo, Man City are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 19-year-old attacker, who can play on the right wing and centrally. Contrary to previous reports, the Etihad side are not looking to trigger his €16 million release clause.
Instead, Man City are trying to negotiate a cheaper deal for Carrizo. Additionally, Merlo downplays suggestions that City could initially loan the winger to River Plate, from whom they signed Alvarez and Echeverri.
Man City to sign Carrizo
Merlo, for his part, claims that the idea could be to send Carrizo on loan to LaLiga to help him acclimatise to European football. The journalist mentions Valencia as a possible destination.
This, in turn, has caused surprise in Spain given the links between Man City and City Football Group affiliate Girona. Local journalist Julia Insa points out that a loan to Catalunya would make more sense from City’s point of view, describing a move to Valencia as ‘impossible.’
A loan to Girona would indeed be sensible given the recent news that the aforementioned Echeverri has supposedly turned down a move to the CFG outfit. He is apparently keen to join Roma.
Carrizo could take the place that had been designated for his compatriot, but this seems to be something that ought to be considered further down the line. For now, Man City should focus on finalising the 19-year-old’s arrival.
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