Manchester City have now entered the race to hijack Aston Villa‘s move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye.
PSG are open to offloading the 18-year-old this summer, should they receive £34m – £43m, as the reigning European champions already have a star-studded forward line.
That said, despite his age, Mbaye has already started to make an impact in the PSG first team, picking up three goals and two assists in 24 Ligue 1 matches last season, after previously receiving major plaudits from scout Ben Mattinson.
“Ibrahim Mbaye is next up after Mayulu. He’s two years younger but already breaking into the team. A direct winger who plays either wing and has variance to his game. Not just the type to take on players frequently but has a decent through ball too. With electric pace, Mbaye can create separation from his marker so quickly.”
During his time with PSG, the youngster has predominantly featured as a right-winger, which is a position that Man City may need to strengthen, as Tottenham Hotspur remain in ongoing talks to sign Savinho.
Bernardo Silva has already exited the Etihad Stadium, joining Real Madrid, which exacerbates the need for new manager Enzo Maresca to strengthen his attacking options.
Ibrahim Mbaye’s stance on leaving PSG this summer
Journalist Santi Aouna has reported Mbaye wants to leave PSG this summer, with Man City now joining the race for his signature alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Villa, who had been the most advanced to this point.
With PSG open to cashing-in, a deal could be there to be done, but there will be competition from ‘several major European clubs’, including Borussia Dortmund.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna broke the news of Man City’s interest in Mbaye, which indicates it is credible, as he is a respected transfer reporter. With Savinho getting just 821 minutes of game time in the Premier League last season, it may be wise for Maresca to cash-in this summer. |
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Finances |
A £60m price tag has been suggested for Savinho, which would more than fund a move for the PSG winger, who has been valued at £34m – £43m. |
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Insight |
Aside from making a breakthrough at club level, the Senegalese forward has already started making an impact for his country, scoring four goals in 15 caps. At the World Cup, he scored in Senegal’s opening game, a 3-1 defeat against France. |
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Impact |
As Mbaye is a right-winger by trade, he could replace Savinho. However, considering the PSG ace is still a teenager, he may not be a regular starter straight away, and could be used interchangeably with Antoine Semenyo. |
Man City also keen on statement striker signing
City aren’t content with just strengthening at right-wing, and they have also set their sights on a new striker. Talks have been held regarding a deal for Bayern Munich star and England captain Harry Kane.
Kane’s future is in doubt, as he has just one year left on his Bayern deal, although the German side remain confident he will extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.
