Pep Guardiola rejected Gianluigi Donnarumma swap deal as Man City 'make new approach'

Manchester City have ‘approached’ Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma about the prospect of moving to the Premier League. This purported approach comes just one year after the French giants reportedly offered the goalkeeper and Marco Verratti to Pep Guardiola’s side in exchange for Bernardo Silva.

At the time, Silva’s future at the Etihad Stadium was uncertain, as he was also linked with a move to Barcelona and the French giants. Guardiola and City were not convinced and decided to reject that advance.

Donnarumma and the Portuguese international remained where they were while Verratti moved to Qatari side Al-Arabi SC. But with the future of City goalkeeper Ederson Moares uncertain amid interest from Saudi Arabia, City have reportedly approached the Italian shot-stopper.

According to Give Me Sport, City have approached Donnarumma, 25, about the prospect of replacing Ederson. City turned down PSG’s offer of Verratti and Donnarumma for the Portuguese attacking midfielder last year.

Reports from Fabrizio Romano as per Tribuna claimed that City wanted a substantial transfer fee and 17-year-old teenage sensation Warren Zaire-Emery for the ex-Monaco forward instead. Fast forward to the present day, the situation has changed dramatically for City’s side.

Ederson is understood to be of interest to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad, who are believed to be the favourites to sign him. Al-Nassr, the side Cristiano Ronaldo plays for, are also believed to be interested in signing the former Benfica shot-stopper.

He has been a pivotal part of Guardiola’s era of dominance ever since he arrived on the blue side of Manchester in 2017. Meanwhile, Donnarumma has endured a mixed period in the French capital.

He arrived at PSG on a free transfer, off the back of breaking England’s hearts to win Euro 2020 with Italy, saving penalties from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka at Wembley Stadium. Donnarumma has won three Ligue 1 titles and the 2024 French Cup over the course of his time at the Parc des Princes.

His current deal at Luis Enrique’s side expires on June 30 2026. Give Me Sport also states that he is happy in France and has held early-stage discussions about the prospect of extending his contract at the club.

Nevertheless, it also claims he has a curiosity about one day playing in the Premier League. If Ederson departs, Guardiola also has Stefan Ortega in his ranks to call upon, who proved to be a reliable understudy to the Brazilian last season.