Mancini targeting Gaston Ramirez after bemoaning lack of Man City signings
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is plotting a move for Gaston Ramirez after becoming frustrated by the lack of transfer activity a Footy Bunker source tells us.
Bologna midfielder Ramirez is being lined up as the Premier League champions’ first signing of the summer by Mancini, who is keen to strengthen his squad before the new season kicks off.
The Paraguay international’s agent, Pablo Betancourt, has already admitted that his client could leave the Serie A club this summer with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also chasing his signature.
“Gaston is ready to leave Italy – so much so I am in England for talks with a Premier League club,” he told Mercato.
However it’s thought City are in pole position to capture the 21-year-old winger and hope an offer of £15 million will be enough to prise him away from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Italian title winners Juventus, Barcelona and AC Milan have scoured the South American ace n the last six months but have yet to firm up their interest.
Mancini has been unable to offload any of the unwanted high earners currently on the Etihad Stadium payroll and needs to shift them before entering the transfer market.
He believes a certain member of the clubs hierarchy is to blame for the lack of incomings with director of football Brian Marwood thought to be the man in question.
“For this question, speak to the man in charge,” Mancini told reporters at a press conference in the Chinese capital.
“I am not in charge of this. It is important [to get players quickly] because, after what we did last year, we must continue to win.
“This year will be harder than last so we need to improve our team.
“We have a man who works for this and we hope that they can do a good job.”
