Donnarumma: City ace opens up on links to United this summer | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma was linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to move to Manchester City instead. The Italian custodian arrived fresh from helping the Parisians secure a historic treble.

With a year left on his contract, the Ligue 1 champions opted against handing Donnarumma a new deal. The Cityzens were quick to take advantage and signed the 26-year-old as Ederson’s replacement.

Interestingly, Donnarumma was also touted as a possible replacement for Andre Onana at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian had failed to impress since arriving from Inter Milan a couple of summers ago, and the Red Devils were looking for an upgrade in the position this year.

United opted to sign Senne Lammens instead

Donnarumma is a proven figure in the European circuit and would have fit in quite well between the sticks at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, City pipped United in the race for the former AC Milan man, with reports suggesting that the Red Devils were wary of the player’s wage demands.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim secured the signature of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day for £18.2m to address his goalkeeping conundrum.

The talented Belgian is highly regarded across the continent, although he is short of experience at the highest level.

Onana, meanwhile, ended his Old Trafford nightmare to complete a loan deal to Trabzonspor. Interestingly, it has since been suggested that Donnarumma preferred a move to United this summer.

The Frenchman has now refuted those claims.

City only option on the table

Speaking to The BBC, Donnarumma insisted that City were the only option for him this summer.

“I was very clear, my desire was to come here. That was my only option, the only thing I wanted,” said Donnarumma.

“My only choice was to come here… so I am happy to be here at City and be part of this fantastic team.

“Before the summer I knew that City were very interested in me, the relationship strengthened after the Club World Cup.

“I knew the coach was pushing for my arrival here, everyone wanted me here, it gave me such pride to see such a demonstration of affection. I didn’t hesitate to come here with great joy and enthusiasm.”

Donnarumma helped City secure a 3-0 win over United in the Manchester derby last weekend. Senne Lammens, interestingly, was an unused substitute for the game as Amorim kept his trust in Altay Bayindir.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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