- Man City have long been interested in a Brazilian midfielder
- Their local rivals are expected to make a bid to secure him
- A deal could soon be struck in the range of £70-£80m
Manchester City have shown interest in a Serie A midfielder, but it looks like Man United could be the club to secure his services.
Bringing in a new midfielder is one of Man City’s biggest priorities ahead of the summer transfer window, with Elliot Anderson viewed as their top target.
City have already launched a bit for the 23-year-old, and hope to get a deal over the line before he returns from the World Cup.
One potential alternative is Sandro Tonali, while the Citizens have also been linked with an Atalanta star whose contract expires next summer.
Man City set to lose out on Ederson
According to Ekrem Konur, Ederson, who has been linked with Man City since 2024, could be on his way to Man United.
🚨 EXCL: Man United ready £70-80m transfer package for Arsenal & Man City target.
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) June 6, 2026
A deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta is already in place, and they’re stepping up their pursuit of a second midfielder signing.@ekremkonur & @CentreTransfer https://t.co/o6KpaHKavv https://t.co/oDhEzS5JoC
Indeed, the Red Devils are preparing a bid which could reach the £80m mark, while Arsenal remain interested in the midfielder.
While City have monitored the 26-year-old, it seems there are other players in his position who have become a greater priority.
Anderson is City’s main transfer target
If Man City were that bothered about signing Ederson, they would look to get the better of United by placing a bid of their own.
However, Anderson is the player wanted by the domestic double winners, and he is going to be a sizeable investment.
This could limit how much money City are prepared to spend on other players, especially those who occupy the midfield position.
Unless Rodri leaves for a significant sum, it is hard to see the Sky Blues paying a lot to secure a second midfielder.
Is Ederson really worth £80m?
With only one year remaining on his Atalanta contract, £70-80m seems like a large amount to be spending.
The Brazil international turns 27 next month, so it is not as if he is a player who will spend as long at the Etihad as Bernardo Silva for example.
Therefore, it seems like City are making the correct decision by targeting Anderson instead of actively pursuing Ederson
