Manchester City targeted sensational swoop for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder in January

Paris Saint-Germain were subject to an ambitious swoop from Manchester City during the January transfer window for one of their midfield talents, it has been claimed.

The Premier League champions were largely at the very forefront of media reports surrounding big-money transfer business during the winter market as they sanctioned a spend of around £175 million on four new signings.

Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis bolstered the defensive ranks in a combined spend of around €75 million, while Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush strengthened the midfielder and attacking line respectively through moves from FC Porto and Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was the Spanish midfielder who rounded off the window for Manchester City, who had spend the entirety of the market analysing potential midfield solutions in light of Rodri’s ongoing long-term absence through a knee injury and the following recovery process involved.

However, new reports are suggesting that Manchester City may have looked elsewhere in the European market before eventually settling on the former FC Barcelona academy star on deadline day.

That is according to the information of FootballTransfers, who claim that Manchester City were interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery during the recent January transfer window.

It is explained that City were ‘eager’ to finalise a deal for the France international at the midway stage of the ongoing campaign, but ultimately decided to walk away from negotiations after being quoted a fee of €100 million.

Having been made aware of an eye-watering fee, it is pointed out that the Premier League champions ended any interest and swiftly concluded a deal for FC Porto’s Spanish midfielder, Nico Gonzalez on deadline day.

Nico has started life as a Manchester City player in impressive fashion, having put on a convincing performance before sustaining an injury inside 25 minutes on his debut away to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.

The 23-year-old’s follow-up opportunity would come through a full home Premier League debut, as he commanded Manchester City’s defensive midfield and central position as a whole as part of a 4-0 win over Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola is convinced that Nico Gonzalez will also continue to play a big role in his plans at the club even when Rodri returns from injury, recently insisting upon the positional flexibility of the former La Masia starlet.