Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte is “open” to moving to Saudi Arabia, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist has revealed that the treble winners have accepted a bid from Al Nassr and it is now down to the 29-year-old to decide if he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium:
🚨 Manchester City accept offer from Al Nassr for Aymeric Laporte. 29yo Spain centre-back into final 2 years of contract + thought to be open to possibility. #MCFC willing to sell, with Saudi Pro League club #AlNassr pushing to get deal done @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/vTsZT2idii
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 16, 2023
Laporte’s game time at City has been greatly reduced over the last twelve months, and the Spanish international has not hidden the fact that he is unhappy about his lack of minutes.
Part of the reason that the Premier League champions pushed the boat out to recruit Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig was due to the belief that Laporte was seeking a departure.
It now appears that the centre-back has found an exit route, with Al Nassr seemingly keen to seal the transfer as quickly as possible.
Laporte has had interest from other teams
At the back end of last season, Barcelona were heavily linked with the City defender, before rumours emerged about a potential move to Juventus over the summer.
In recent days, it has also been suggested that Arsenal were weighing up an offer for Laporte, following the serious injury sustained by Jurrien Timber. However, it is believed that the Citizens have decided against selling any more players to the Gunners.
City could be busy before the transfer deadline
In addition to outgoings, Pep Guardiola’s side could make a couple of signings in the next couple of weeks. They have been locked in talks with West Ham over signing Lucas Paqueta, with a new recruit in midfield now becoming more urgent after the serious hamstring injury sustained by Kevin De Bruyme.
The Manchester club are also considering options to replace Riyad Mahrez. The current favourite is Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, especially as Chelsea look poised to sign Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
