Man City working to sign Serie A midfielder

Premier League champions Manchester City came from behind to beat Fulham 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.

Andreas Pereira had given the Cottagers a surprise lead at The Etihad, before a Mateo Kovacic brace put the hosts in front.

Jeremy Doku then added a third for the Citizens, before Rodrigo Muniz pulled another back for Marco Silva’s side.

Fulham were unable to find an equaliser, though, and the victory puts City second in the table, behind leaders Liverpool.

Kovacic is likely to be used regularly by manager Pep Guardiola with Rodri set to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, but in the meantime it appears City are attempting to sign a Serie A midfielder.

As reported by Football Insider, City are laying the foundations to make a move for Atalanta’s Ederson.

Guardiola will be without key midfielder Rodri for the remainder of the current campaign

The Brazilian – who has been capped twice by his country at senior level – has been in fine form for the Serie A side since joining from fellow Italian outfit Salernitana in 2022.

Ederson played a crucial role in helping Atalanta to win the Europa League last season, beating Bayer Leverkusen in the final to become the only side to defeat Xabi Alonso’s team all season.

He has now played a total of 100 times for Atalanta across all competitions, and those in charge of City’s recruitment have identified him as a potential replacement for Rodri.

Ederson is contracted to Atalanta until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, but it appears that City could try to sign him when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 25-year-old primarily operates at the base of Atalanta’s midfield, in a similar position to Rodri, but. he can also play further forward.

City do also have Kalvin Phillips who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, but it appears unlikely that they will recall the Englishman from Portman Road to fill in during Rodri’s absence.