[Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/pete-o-rourke-transfer-correspondent)
Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.
Matheus Nunes is the Italian's first choice as it stands, despite being a natural central midfielder, with Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov as his alternatives in the position.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, City are keen on his services and he would be interested in heading to the Etihad Stadium in the new year.
Several other English top-flight sides also have the USA international on their radar as he impresses in La Liga.
Alex Freeman is high on Man City's right-back shortlist
Freeman is a modern full-back, standing at six foot two inches tall and also able to play in the middle of the backline.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There is a lot of Premier League interest in Freeman, who has done very well in Spain. I'm sure the player himself, as a USA international, would be interested in a move to the Premier League if the opportunity were to come about.
"Manchester City, obviously they've had a few issues at right back over the last couple of seasons and are yet to sign a proper replacement for Kyle Walker. Maybe it's an area of the team that Enzo Maresca would like to strengthen."
Mauricio Pochettino thinks Freeman can be a world-class right-back
Freeman's rapid rise has seen him attract big interest from across Europe despite only becoming a regular at senior level for Orlando City at the start of 2025.
US manager Pochettino heaped praise on the 22-year-old after that clash, with City surely onto something if they sign him in January.
He said: “He’s a lovely guy, and he’s an amazing player. For me, he has the potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world.
“He’s such a humble guy. He has an amazing profile, he wants to learn, he always listens. He’s a player that you really enjoy being with, not only coaching.”