Manchester City are preparing for the potential departure of their goalkeeper Ederson and have identified Gianluigi Donnarumma as a surprise target, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Premier League champions have reportedly approached the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper regarding a potential move, although the French giants are reluctant to sell.
Ederson has been Man City’s designated shot-stopper since joining the club from Benfica in the summer of 2017, but he is now attracting serious interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
Man City are demanding at least £50 million to sell the Brazilian keeper, double the amount Al-Nassr initially tabled, which the Premier League champions subsequently rejected.
While Ederson has been a cornerstone of Man City’s success under Pep Guardiola, the 30-year-old’s potential exit has forced the club to explore alternatives.
Donnarumma is one of the names Man City are exploring. The Euro 2020 winner boasts a growing reputation as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
While his contract with PSG runs until 2026, the Parisians are working on an extension, which could complicate Man City’s interest in the keeper.
However, Donnarumma reportedly harbours ambitions of playing in the Premier League at some point in his career, which could play into Man City’s hands.
Guardiola is already able to call upon Stefan Ortega, but if Ederson leaves, Man City could consider bringing in another keeper.
However, any move for a high-profile keeper to replace Ederson could force Ortega to consider his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
The German keeper has been eager to become Man City’s designated shot-stopper since joining the club from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022.
Ortega has repeatedly proven himself a reliable backup, effectively deputising for Ederson when called upon.
For the past two years, he has played second fiddle to the Brazilian keeper, and Ederson’s potential exit will finally pave the way for his understudy to take over as first-choice stopper.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Man City will act on their interest in Donnarumma, but PSG have no plans to sell the Italy international, who was described as a ‘world-class player‘ by manager Luis Enrique.
