Manchester City are attempting to finalise a transfer for Brazilian wide player Allan Elias, but Palmeiras are insisting on their desired valuation.
The 22-year-old featured for Palmeiras in their match against Vasco da Gama on Sunday evening.
Palmeiras have made clear to Manchester City that they will not accept a cut-price offer for Allan as they seek to fill the void left by Savinho’s departure. The club are making headway in negotiations to bring the player in during the closing stages of the transfer window, though there is still ground to cover.
Allan carries a €100m release clause, though City are aiming to negotiate a fee significantly below half that amount, having been given reason to believe Palmeiras would consider a lower figure. The Brazilian attacker represented his club at the weekend and manager Abel Ferreira subsequently addressed the worth of the player City are pursuing.
These clubs desire a player like Allan because ninety percent of wide forwards lack what he possesses, which is ability going forward and backwards. They will need to meet the price. I understand Manchester City’s style of play. At Chelsea, there is a player called Pedro Neto: if they wish to pursue him, they will need to pay one hundred million euros.
Top clubs do not sign half a player, they sign players who attack and defend. When one emerges who can track back throughout the match, operate as a right-back – as occurred against Miami – fit into a back three on the flank and move inside for tactical rotations, as happened today with Agustin Giay, every club wants such a player. But you must coach them, nurture them and, if required, sacrifice some results in the process.
Separately, City have reached an agreement with Lille over Ayyoub Bouaddi to strengthen their midfield. The complete package amounts to £85m, with City ultimately agreeing to pay what the French club had sought from the outset in order to secure another significant acquisition.
Elliot Anderson has already arrived for a club record £116m and featured from the start in the 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, but his midfield partner for that match was centre-back Marc Guehi as manager Enzo Maresca continues searching for the ideal blend with Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders having departed and Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic not in favour.