Manchester City are closing in on a new goalkeeper after agreeing a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Citizens have been touted as the most likely landing spot for Donnarumma over the past few weeks after it became clear he no longer had a future at the Champions League winners.
And now with Ederson set to leave the Etihad on Deadline Day after agreeing a move to Fenerbahce, Man City wasted no time accelerating their interest in the Italian.
Pep Guardiola has completely revamped his goalkeeping department after James Trafford returned to Manchester earlier this summer – the Englishman has started all three Premier League matches thus far.
James Trafford of Manchester City reacts after conceding during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to sign for Manchester City
According to Football Italia, the 26-year-old will earn an initial €15 million (£13m) annually throughout the first year of the five-year deal he will pen at the Etihad.
Donnarumma’s salary will then increase to €16m (£13.8m) for the second and third year before finally rising to €17m (£14.7m) for the last two years of the contract. There is also the option to extend the contract by a further year.
TBR Football understands that Guardiola believes Donnarumma is the perfect replacement for Ederson, who will call time on his eight year spell at Man City when he finalises his move to Turkey.
Paris Saint Germain v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
Manchester United also registered interest in the goalkeeper but the player’s preference was always City and now Ruben Amorim has moved on to alternative targets.
Although PSG opted against extending Donnarumma’s deal, he will arrive at the Etihad regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football following his contributions in delivering the Champions League to Paris.
James Trafford is likely to lose his place to Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Englishman was handed the reins at Man City at the beginning of the season, but since the 4-0 win against Wolves on the opening day, his return to the club has not panned out as hoped.
Man City have lost both their Premier League matches after the opening day, with Brajan Grurda’s 89th-minute goal securing a win for Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
There are growing concerns that Guardiola will once again struggle to compete with Arsenal and Liverpool this season, despite the new faces arriving this summer.
The Spaniard is pinning his hopes on Donnarumma to help tighten up the defence at the Etihad, and given his impeccable track record in Europe, this is certainly a smart move for Man City.