Manchester City really ought to sign a new right-back this summer.
Pep Guardiola has decided to move on from Kyle Walker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, and there is a desire from Hugo Viana to find a replacement.
Manchester City tried to sign Andrea Cambiaso for that position in January, but that situation has since fizzled out, with the Italian quite bleakly admitting: “I haven’t received any calls, maybe my agents have. Only death is certain in life for sure, but I’m happy here.”
Most recently, Manchester City have been linked with Flamengo No.43 Wesley – although a Premier League rival in Brighton have now made a bid for the Brazilian.
Brighton attempting to beat Manchester City to Wesley
The Telegraph now state that Brighton have made a £20m bid for the South American as the Seagulls aim to beat Viana to his signature.
It is said that Flamengo are willing to sell Wesley – as they are aware of his ambitions to play in the Premier League – but have no plans to let the defender go until their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup is over, and may not respond to the offer until then.
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Whenever Flamengo get round to considering the bid, it does seem likely to be close to their valuation of the 21-year-old.
Gazzetta dello Sport recently revealed that Flamengo hoped to receive at least £17m for Wesley – so the offer from Brighton could prove successful, unless Manchester City get involved, that is.
Matching this bid would leave the choice down to the Brazil international, and we feel he is far likelier to join Manchester City over Brighton, as the Citizens can offer UEFA Champions League football and a much better chance of winning silverware.
The Telegraph add that Manchester City view Wesley as a direct replacement for Walker, so his chances of making the starting XI also seem quite high.
The right-back Manchester City want to sign even more than Wesley
Wesley seems to be a backup option for Viana.
Manchester City initially wanted to sign Tino Livramento from Newcastle, and even feel the England international would be a ‘perfect’ Walker replacement.
However, the 22-year-old does not want to leave Tyneside at this moment in time, so the spotlight is now on Wesley as Manchester City attempt to beat Brighton to his services.