According to reports from Italy, Manchester City and Juventus are considering a swap deal involving Gabriel Jesus and Douglas Costa.
Juventus are rumoured to be on the hunt for a striker before next season, with even Harry Kane recently being linked to the Italian champions.
With Mario Mandzukic having departed and Cristiano Ronaldo turning 35 this year, Maurizio Sarri is short of long-term options up front.
Gabriel Jesus, who only just turned 23, is the latest forward to be linked with Juventus according to Calciomercato. Manchester City signed the Brazilian from Palmeiras three years ago, but he’s struggled to replace Sergio Aguero as City’s first-choice striker.
More from Manchester City
- Manchester City and their enigmatic coach stand on the cusp of greatness
- Three challenges Manchester City might face in upcoming season
- 3 potential destinations for Raheem Sterling next season
- Manchester City officially announce Erling Haaland signing
- Gabriel Jesus set for Manchester City departure
Jesus has improved massively this season, thanks to Aguero’s age and lingering injury issues, but remains behind the Argentine in Pep Guardiola‘s pecking order.
City still views him as an important player in the long term, which is why Juventus could use Douglas Costa as a makeweight in their attempt to sign him.
Costa, 29, has played under Guardiola previously at Bayern Munich. The electric winger has a tendency to keep fans on the edge of their seats whenever he plays but has struggled for game time in Italy.
He’s made only 6 starts in the Serie A this season, providing 3 assists. Across his three seasons with Juventus, he’s averaged only around 10 starts per campaign.
With Leroy Sane still linked with a potential move to Bayern, Man City could use a player like Costa. His connection could Guardiola could also help push the deal through.
Jesus would also be a much cheaper target for Juventus compared to other options. Kane is sure to cost in excess of £150 million, while Jesus’ valuation is considerably lower. Costa’s presence in the deal could also further lower the transfer fee.
The suspension of leagues across Europe due to the coronavirus outbreak has also thrown the transfer market into doubt. Scouting operations have come to a halt, which could cause far-reaching consequences for the summer transfer window. The full impact of the virus on world football still remains to be seen.