Manchester City to sign 'the next Gabriel Martinelli' - with deal EXTREMELY easy to complete: report

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola celebrates victory after the UEFA Champions League match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City at Red Bull Arena on October 04, 2023 in Leipzig, Germany.
(Image credit: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

Manchester City could complete one of the easiest transfers of all time this January window.

While things aren't going quite as planned for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side this season, with the treble winners currently five points off the pace in the Premier League, their forward planning could see them land one of the world's next best stars. 

With Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden all at Guardiola's disposal in wide forward areas, a potential new signing could offer even greater competition for places. 

Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez of Manchester City interact during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

City aren't quite as dominant this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Manchester City are looking to sign Girona forward Savio this month, after the Brazilian's impressive performances in La Liga over the course of 2023/24.

Any potential deal would be extremely simply to conclude, too, with Girona and Manchester City owned by the same City Football Group. While Savio is currently on loan at Girona, his parent club Troyes are also owned by City Football Group.

Savio, therefore, is technically a Manchester City player in waiting, with the Premier League side simply needing to register the Brazilian in order for him to be their player. Initially signed from Atletico Mineiro in June 2022 for £5.5m, all that is needed is a respectable transfer fee between City and Troyes - which won't exactly be difficult to negotiate considering the ownership status. 

Manchester City target Savio Moreira of Girona CF in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Girona FC at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 21, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Savio has been impressing for Girona this term (Image credit: Getty Images)

Previously compared to Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, Savio is a direct forward who enjoys running at defenders. Still only 19, Savio is still a little raw and would certainly benefit greatly from Pep Guardiola's coaching. 

With four goals and five assists in 18 appearances for Girona this campaign, Savio has impressed for the side currently placed second in La Liga. 

The report suggests that while it is likely City Football Group will change his registration to Manchester City this January, Savio will continue to develop for the rest of the campaign at Girona, before joining up with the City first team squad next summer. 

More Manchester City stories

A supercomputer has predicted that Manchester City will inevitably step up a gear to win their fourth-consecutive Premier League title.

"Pep talked football until 1am": Manchester City insider gives insight into winning mentality.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. 

Read more
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola
Jack Grealish leaving, with Omar Marmoush his replacement - and an upgrade in midfield: Manchester City’s dream transfer window
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saw his side beat Salford City 8-0 this weekend in the FA Cup
Big-money Manchester City star facing huge European exit: report
Manchester City managed Pep Guardiola is attempting to rebuild his squad once again
Manchester City report: Agreement reached for Serie A star, with summer move now on the horizon
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may have identified another new signing
Manchester City to continue Pep Guardiola rebuild with European star who already has a 'gentleman's agreement' in place: report
New Manchester City signing, Omar Marmoush
WATCH: Why Omar Marmoush could be about to save Manchester City's season
Manchester City target Nico Gonzalez reacts after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League, 1st round day 8, football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and FC Porto at the Partizan stadium in Belgrade on January 30, 2025.
Manchester City 'have agreed' Nico Gonzalez signing: report
Latest in Stories
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger