"Super Cup Victory for Paris Obscured by Controversy Over Goalkeeper Disagreement"

Gianluca Donnarumma on the Brink of Move to Manchester City

Gianluca Donnarumma, the talented goalkeeper currently with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is reportedly on the verge of transferring to Manchester City. The deal, which appears to be well-advanced, would see Donnarumma join forces with manager Pep Guardiola, with an agreement seemingly imminent, subject to the departure of City's current goalkeeper Ederson, who is linked with a move to Galatasaray.

The potential move comes after PSG signed Lucas Chevalier as their new No. 1 goalkeeper, effectively pushing Donnarumma out of the starting position. Despite PSG offering Donnarumma a new contract worth around €8 million per year, he has no intention of accepting, given his current net salary of approximately €11.5 million per season. Consequently, PSG seems prepared to let him leave, either now for a transfer fee reportedly around £26 million or at the end of his contract in one year.

The arrival of Chevalier has had a significant impact on Donnarumma's relationship with PSG. Despite his notable performances in last season’s Champions League run, the club’s decision to elevate Chevalier indicates a clear intention to move forward without him. PSG has explicitly told Donnarumma to find a new club this summer, a directive that underscores a strained relationship and an uncertain future at the club.

Mino Raiola, Donnarumma's agent, believes that the Premier League is the right step for Donnarumma. The goalkeeper himself has expressed no desire to leave PSG, but the club's decision to bring in Chevalier and the subsequent treatment of Donnarumma have been criticised by Raiola as "bullying".

Meanwhile, PSG's coach, Luis Enrique, has brought in Chevalier from OSC Lille as their new number one goalkeeper. Despite Chevalier's mistake against Tottenham in the regular game, Enrique is confident in his abilities, particularly after Chevalier's crucial save in the decisive penalty shootout of the Super Cup final, which PSG won with a score of 4-3. Enrique has publicly expressed his support for Chevalier, even going as far as to embrace him on the field after the match.

The Super Cup final was a significant moment for both Chevalier and PSG, and the coach is aware that Donnarumma's presence could pose a problem for Chevalier, despite Chevalier's mistake against Tottenham. However, Enrique believes that Chevalier was incredible in the match against Tottenham, and the coach is confident that he can continue to perform at a high level.

In the midst of this transfer saga, Donnarumma was not on the bench for the Super Cup final, a decision that Raiola believes was due to PSG's fear of putting him in direct competition with Chevalier. Other clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea have expressed early interest in Donnarumma, but they remain less advanced in negotiations compared to Manchester City.

If the transfer to Manchester City is completed, it would mark a significant step in Donnarumma's career, with strong endorsements for joining Guardiola’s Manchester City as a positive move. The future of Donnarumma at PSG, however, remains uncertain, with the club seemingly ready to let him leave, either now or at the end of his contract next year.