Man City Make Whopping R1.8bn Offer For LaLiga Star
by Soccer LadumaManchester City have reportedly made a whopping €94 million (R1.8 billion) offer for a LaLiga star.
Read: New Barca Signing Linked With Shock Exit
The Citizens have been heavily linked with African superstar Kalidou Koulibaly in the current transfer window, but may be ready to move on to another target.
With Napoli having rebuffed City's approaches for the Senegal international thus far, it seems Pep Guardiola may be moving on after City lodged a formal bid, one that is higher than anything they have offered Napoli so far, for another player.
According to AS, the English club has offered Atletico Madrid €94 million, including €5 million (R98 million) in add-ons, in a bid to lure Jose Gimenez to Manchester.
The Rojiblancos do not have any interest in selling the player, though, and have reportedly pointed the Citizens to the player's release clause, which is currently €120 million (R2.3 billion).
City's director of football Txiki Begiristain is said to have started negotiations with Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and sporting director Andrea Berta to explore the possibility of a move.
Despite there not being any intention of selling Gimenez, such a substantial offer in the current climate may seem tempting as the Premier League giants look to aggressively push through a move for defensive reinforcement.
It may also be a tactic from City in a bid to warn Napoli they have the funds to look elsewhere if they do not want to negotiate a deal for Koulibaly.
Are you an EPL expert? Take part in our English football quiz!