Juventus’ star goalkeeper has now emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City, according to reports from Italy in recent days.
The latest report comes after a summer that saw the futures of all of Manchester City’s existing goalkeeper options thrown into doubt, as Ederson became strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Following weeks of speculation, no club was able to meet Manchester City valuation in the region of £50 million, whilst there had also been a belief in some quarters that Stefan Ortega Moreno would be open to an exit.
Despite all of the talk, both Ortega Moreno and third-choice keeper Scott Carson penned extensions to their existing agreements, whilst Ederson would retain his place as number one for another season.
But ahead of another summer transfer window, there remains a concern that the prospect of a new challenge away from Manchester could be enticing for any of the club’s goalkeepers, and as such it appears as though contingency plans are being put in place at the Etihad Stadium.
That is according to the information of Calciomercato, who have reported that Juventus’ Michele di Gregorio has now emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City in the event of having to replace Ederson in the near future.
It is explained, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, that City have been left ‘bewitched’ by the 27-year-old meaning he is now ‘among the profiles evaluated’ by the Premier League champions in case of a future swoop.
However, the report states that a move for the Italian shot-stopper will be difficult having only joined Juventus last summer in a €16 million deal, and only ‘indecent proposals’ can spark a sale. As such, it is claimed City will have to look at other targets for now.
For now, there is now suggestion from reliable sources covering Manchester City to suggest that the club are plotting departures for any of their goalkeepers, although Stefan Ortega Moreno has been open about his future in recent media duties.
Speaking back in mid-October, the Germany international told national media in his home country on how he sees his long-term future, “Still in Manchester. I feel very comfortable.”
He continued, “At the moment there’s little reason to leave (Manchester City). I’ve now played 36 competitive games in two years – not a number for a typical number two. I get a lot of appreciation.”