Man City transfer news: Why do Manchester City want to sign Matheus Nunes?

On the move? 

Manchester City seem determined to finish their transfer window with a bang, as they look to make a number of high-profile signings before the end of the month. Alongside the arrival of Rennes winger Jérémy Doku, the English and European champions have now reportedly turned their attention to Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes. According to the Guardian and a number of British publications, Man City made an offer of €55 million for the Wolves star on Thursday. That offer was promptly rejected by the Molineux side, who will likely be looking for considerably more for one of their star players at this stage of the transfer window.

How good is Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes?

Since signing for the Premier League side in August of last year for a sizable sum of €45m, Nunes has gone from strength to strength despite playing in an inconsistent, mid-table team. And in many ways the 24-year-old talent has established himself as one of the English top-flight’s most versatile central midfielders.

According to Opta, Nunes was sixth among all Premier League midfielders for successful dribbles in the league last season, accomplishing more than the likes of Bruno Guimarães, Declan Rice and Kevin de Bruyne. But what also makes the Wolves talent so special is that he also showed excellent defensive skills too, coming in tenth among all central midfielders for ground duels won. In other words, Nunes is the perfect ball carrier and ball winner in the middle of the pitch.

Why do Manchester City want to sign Matheus Nunes?

Perhaps the most obvious reason is that Guardiola has always been a fan of the midfielder. Following a Champions League tie between Man City and Nunes’ former club, Sporting, the Spanish head coach labelled the midfielder as “one of the best players in the world” and has undoubtedly changed his mind, since Nunes made the step up to the Premier League.

Of course, after missing out on Rice and other central midfielders this summer, Man City could undoubtedly use another No.8 that can help them impose their dominance in the middle of the park through astute defending, while being technically gifted enough to take part in counter attacks. Nunes, as the aforementioned stats suggest, could do exactly that for Man City. And due to the player’s comfort in playing on the left or right wings as a wide midfielder, he could also fill in as a winger or even wing-back if called upon.

Considering Guardiola’s tendency to play players out of position and value versatility over just about any other attribute in his players, it’s clear to see why Nunes would be a valued member of Man City’s squad. And considering the manner in which Man City have already lost one central midfielder in Ilkay Gündogan, along with injuries to two others in Bernardo Silva and De Bruyne, perhaps Nunes may prove to be the perfect utility player for the English champions. 

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