Atletico Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes on loan.
The 25-year-old joined the Citizens from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £53m on the final day of last summer's transfer window after one impressive campaign at Molineux.
Nunes made a total of 29 appearances for Man City last season, but he only started 15 times across all competitions, including just seven in the Premier League.
The Portugal international has made two substitute appearances in City's first three competitive fixture of the new season, coming on against Manchester United in the Community Shield and against Ipswich Town in the Premier League last weekend.
Man City decided to strengthen their midfield last week by re-signing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona, and he made his second debut for the club as a 71st-minute substitute against Ipswich, coming on before Nunes made his cameo outing in the closing stages.
© Imago
Atletico considering late Nunes move?
Nunes still has four years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but is it understood that he may find first-team opportunities limited under Pep Guardiola following the return of Gundogan.
A recent report claims that Man City are prepared to let Nunes leave either on loan or permanently in the final few days of the summer transfer window.
Clubs in the Premier League are believed to have been alerted by Nunes's situation including Liverpool, who were linked with the Portuguese prior to his move to the Etihad and are known to be in the market for a new midfielder this summer.
However, according to The Athletic, La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid are exploring the potential loan signing of Nunes before the window closes.
The report adds that Man City are yet to receive any offers for Nunes and have not made a decision on his availability ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.
© Reuters
Atletico eyeing up a second Man City player
Atletico have already conducted business with Man City this month as they have completed the signing of forward Julian Alvarez in a deal worth up to €95m (£82m).
The Spanish giants have indeed been busy this summer as they have also signed midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, while Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sorloth and Clement Lenglet have also joined the club.
A temporary move for a new midfielder could appeal to Atletico now that they have agreed to part ways with Arthur Vermeeren, who has joined RB Leipzig on loan for the 2024-25 campaign.
Should a move for Nunes to Atletico materialise, he would compete with Gallagher, Rodrigo de Paul, Koke, Marco Llorente and Pablo Barrios for regular starts in Diego Simeone's midfield.
Oliver Thomas
