LONDON - Pep Guardiola is fuming after Dani Alves went back on his word and snubbed Manchester City.
Alves, Guardiola’s top target at right back, jetted to France on Tuesday instead to thrash out a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
That shocked City’s manager, who was convinced the Brazilian would become his third signing of the summer. City were expecting Alves, 34, to arrive this week ahead of Monday’s flight to America for a pre-season tour.
Only the formalities were left and Guardiola was described as ‘furious’ on Tuesday night after being informed of the decision. Alves was pictured smiling alongside Brazil team-mate Marquinhos in Paris on Tuesday.
City had offered him a two-year deal, too, and the snub may strengthen the hand of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy in negotiations over Kyle Walker.
Spurs had been looking at a fee of almost £50million for Walker before yesterday’s twist.
The future of Pablo Maffeo, 20 today and set for a loan spell with Girona, is unclear and he could be required to tour America in Alves’s absence. City hope to land Monaco left back Benjamin Mendy and plenty more transfers are up in the air.
Joe Hart, Wilfried Bony, Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri are still to move on.
It is understood that Hart is giving serious consideration to another move abroad. West Ham have firmed up their interest, but would prefer a loan deal. City are looking for around £20m for the England goalkeeper.
That is also the value placed on Kelechi Iheanacho, with Leicester working on a package.