- Italian press urge Guardiola to sign Donnarumma
- Trafford makes blunder leading to Spurs goal
- Italy shot-stopper has waved goodbye to PSG
Gazzetta dello Sport have urged the Catalan to make his move after Trafford gifted Tottenham Hotspur a second goal in their 2-0 win at Etihad Stadium, giving the ball away on the edge of his own box and allowing Palhinha to score – their headline of Saturday’s report reads, ‘Guardiola, what are you waiting for to sign Gigio?’. With Donnarumma having already said his goodbyes after being forced out of PSG, the Italian publication called for City to step up a move for the 26-year-old. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Parisians have requested €50 million (£43m/$58m) but the fee is likely to be less than this, with personal terms already agreed.
Trafford only signed for City this summer for £27m ($36.5m), returning from Burnley after previously graduating from the Blues’ academy. He will have expected to challenge with Ederson for a place in the starting XI, but if Donnarumma arrives this is likely to mean the former England U21 hero must settle for a place amongst the substitutes. Donnarumma is a commanding presence in goal and having recently helped PSG win their first-ever Champions League crown, he is a man playing at the top of his game.
Gazzetta’s report questioned whether Donnarumma would have made the mistake while passing out from the back which Trafford committed to let Spurs score. They claimed Donnarumma is ‘much more than a ghost’ to City and could soon become a reality in goal for Guardiola’s side, though this may partially depend on if Ederson is sold before the end of the window.
The Cityzens face Brighton on August 31 and may by then have a new face in goal, though the deadline shuts the following day on September 1. Regardless of the outcome, it is important for Donnarumma, Trafford and both clubs involved that a resolution is soon found so that City can aim to bounce back from defeat to Spurs and return to the scintillating form shown at Wolves on the opening day.