Man City are closing in on the signature of Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that the Argentinian international has accepted a contract offer, and he expects the transfer to be sealed “next week”:

“Geronimo Rulli is close to completing his move to Manchester City. Exclusive news from yesterday, and now Geronimo Rulli [has] agreed personal terms with Manchester City.”

“The negotiation is underway with Olympique Marseille. I think next week the deal can be agreed, and now, probably over the weekend, there will be more conversations, but the expectation is to enter into next week and try to strike an agreement and see Geronimo Rulli as [the] new backup goalkeeper at Manchester City.”

How much will Man City pay for the keeper?

Reports in France suggest that there is a slight gap in valuation between the two clubs. City have offered €2m while Marseille want closer to €3.5m.

Due to the numbers involved, there is an expectation that a compromise on the fee will be found fairly quickly.

Why is Rulli being brought in?

As Romano mentions, head coach Enzo Maresca needs an understudy for Gianluigi Donnarumma, with James Trafford expected to join Leeds United over the coming days.

At the time of writing, Trafford’s departure from City has not been officially confirmed, but it is expected to happen in very short order.

That leaves Donnarumma and Marcus Bettinelli as Maresca’s only two senior options in goal. Bettinelli signed a new contract last month keeping him at the Etihad until next summer, but he is on the books mostly to fill the Premier League’s homegrown quota.

A new addition in the goalkeeping department was required, and Rulli‘s availability for a low price due to his contract situation meant he was deemed a good choice.

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