Newcastle United have opened talks with Manchester City about signing midfielder Nico Gonzalez, according to The Athletic.
The Magpies want to add an experienced midfielder to their squad after signing youngsters Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba, and Bazoumana Touré.
Gonzalez joined City in 2025 from Porto in a deal worth £52m, and his contract expires in 2029.
Gonzalez: “I Think the Club Wants Me To Stay”
The 24-year-old Spaniard has made 59 appearances for Man City in all competitions, scoring four goals.
Last season, he made 42 appearances for City, scoring two goals, and has appeared once in preseason, coming on as a substitute in the Community Shield, which City lost 3-0 to Arsenal.
He was brought in to cover when Rodri was out with a long-term injury, but when his compatriot returned, his game time was reduced.
This doesn’t seem to have affected Gonzalez. Just a few weeks ago, he said that he wanted to stay at the Etihad.
“I’m happy here. I don’t want to leave and I think the club wants me to stay. I haven’t seen anything, but I’m happy here.
“I don’t think any player has the position guaranteed for all the matches. Everyone has to work hard. We are one of the best teams in the world and obviously there is competition in every position.
“That is what makes us be in the position that we are, winning so many Premier Leagues and competing for everything.”
There was a suggestion that Gonzalez had fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola, but with Guardiola and Rodri both gone, he might fancy his chances of becoming a regular starter under Enzo Maresca.
Would This Be a Good Deal for Newcastle?
Gonzalez fits the profile that Newcastle are looking for. He is young, but he has Premier League experience that the new signings are missing.
He has quality too, as he proved when he stepped in for Rodri. He works best as a holding midfielder, who can retain possession and break up attacks.
The snag for Newcastle is that he seems to be happy at Man City, even if he does end up being a bit-part player.
City are also in the Champions League. Newcastle can’t offer Gonzalez any European football, which makes the club a harder sell.
Right now, the deal looks unlikely, but anything can happen in the final days of a transfer window.
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