Man City already plotting for life after Fernandinho with Frenchman lined up

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho shocked manager Pep Guardiola this week by revealing in a press conference that he will leave the club this summer. 

The Brazilian was initially meant to leave City last summer, but signed a one-year extension that will take him up to the end of the season.

When asked in the build up to City’s Champions League tie against Atletico on Wednesday whether he will remain in Manchester next season, the 36-year-old simply replied ‘No, I want to play regularly.’

His comments have taken Guardiola by surprise, though, with the Spaniard claiming he was unaware of the situation.

“I didn’t know it,” Guardiola said.

“We will see what happens at the end of the season. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Guardiola’s comments seem to have been forgotten already, though, as City are already in the market for a replacement for the veteran midfielder.

Fernandinho’s time with Man City is coming to an end after nine years

According to Football Insider, the Premier League champions are already preparing an offer for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The French youngster has been heavily praised for his performances in his homeland, and a number of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea, have been linked with him.

The signing of Tchouameni would appear to be a direct replacement for Fernandinho, who has struggled for game time this season.

The Brazil international has started just six league matches so far this season, with Spaniard Rodri having become Guardiola’s first choice to anchor City’s midfield.

Tchouameni, who is also a target of Liverpool’s, has two years remaining on his current deal with Ligue 1 side Monaco, however it is understood that the French side would be willing to sell him this summer for the right price.

The Frenchman won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award last season, and is expected to be included in Les Bleus’ World Cup squad. four

At just 22-years-old, Tchouameni could be a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, who has played more than 350 times for City since his debut in 2013.

Fernandinho’s time in Manchester has been hugely successful, winning four league titles, six League Cups and one FA Cup.