Mehdi Benatia: Manchester City’s Pursuit Faces Stiff Competition and High Price Tag
Manchester City have reportedly made a €22 million bid to sign Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia from AS Roma, according to Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport. However, the deal appears far from certain as Roma are determined to keep their key defender unless a significantly higher offer is made.
Benatia, 27, who joined Roma from Udinese just last year and remains under contract until 2018, is valued by the Italian club at around €35 million. Roma are reluctant to sell the Morocco international unless their asking price is met, effectively setting a high barrier for interested clubs.
Manchester City face competition for Benatia’s signature from top European clubs including Chelsea and Barcelona, both keen to bolster their defensive ranks.
While City’s interest signals their intent to strengthen at the back, Roma’s firm stance suggests negotiations could be prolonged or the transfer might not materialize this summer. Benatia’s future remains uncertain, with his continued presence in Rome looking increasingly likely unless an exceptional bid arrives.
