In a dramatic twist on transfer deadline day, Manchester City launched a surprise and audacious move to prise Italian international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma away from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Premier League champions, who have seen number one Ederson linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, initiated contact with the French giants to discuss the possibility of a deal for the 25-year-old shot-stopper.
However, the approach was swiftly and decisively shut down by PSG. The Ligue 1 titleholders made it abundantly clear that Donnarumma, a key pillar of their project, is categorically not for sale at any price. The player himself is also reported to be entirely settled and happy in the French capital, showing no desire to entertain a move away.
City's Goalkeeping Conundrum
This last-minute enquiry sheds light on a potential area of concern for Pep Guardiola. First-choice keeper Ederson has been the subject of persistent interest from Saudi Arabia, casting a slight shadow of uncertainty over his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
While backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega recently signed a contract extension, this move for a world-class operator like Donnarumma suggests that City's hierarchy may be contemplating a future-proofing strategy, preparing for a scenario where Ederson might eventually depart.
A Firm Rejection and Focus Elsewhere
With the door firmly slammed shut by PSG, Manchester City's search for potential reinforcements ended there. The club did not pursue any other goalkeeper targets, ultimately placing their full faith in their existing pairing of Ederson and Ortega for the season ahead.
For Donnarumma, the brief flirtation with a Premier League switch is over before it began. His focus remains solely on maintaining his number one status at the Parc des Princes and challenging for honours with Christophe Galtier's side.
