Manchester City are reportedly closing in on securing a transfer deal for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone according to Fabrizio Romano.
Last month, the journalist claimed that the Manchester club had a verbal agreement to sign the 20-year-old.
Now though, on a recent Twitter post, Romano had this to say on the situation.
He said: “Manchester City will complete Maximo Perrone deal in the next days — as all parties are working to get documents sealed. It’s almost done, as already called in December.
“Understand Pep Guardiola spoke to Argentina U20 coach Mascherano about Perrone and his potential.”
Having made 33 appearances for Sarsfield, Perrone has scored three goals and delivered two assists in the process.
In addition to scoring two goals in his 15 league appearances last season, the midfielder managed to show how useful he can be with and without the ball.
For example, with 10 shots at goal, Perrone ended the campaign with the joint-third highest rate of goals per shot (0.2) at the club as well as having the fourth-highest number of interceptions (21).
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Bearing in mind how City saw Romeo Lavia make a move away from the club during the previous summer transfer window, it’s easy to see why they have been after Perrone.
With Romano revealing that Guardiola had got in touch with Javier Mascherano about the youngster’s potential, this suggests that the Argentinian could well be in and around the senior squad once he makes his way to the Manchester club.
Taking into account how the Citizens took a chance on securing the signature of another young talent from Argentina during the previous January transfer window in the shape of Julian Alvarez, who has now scored eight goals in 22 appearances, it’s safe to presume that they will be hoping Perrone will end up being just as important as the striker has quickly become for the team.