Lukas Nmecha has impressed on loan at RSC Anderlecht, so much so that the Belgium outfit want to sign him permanently this summer.
Het Nieuwsblad (h/t Sport Witness) say Manchester City won’t extend his contract beyond 2022 and want to sell the 22-year-old while he still has value, but his asking price might be too lofty for Anderlecht’s chairman.
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Peter Verbeke told Het Nieuwsblad: “Within our budgetary limits, we do everything we can to buy Nmecha permanently. We are working hard on it. Lukas likes to be here, looks for stability and can play European football. He is surrounded with love and can develop himself.”
The German U21 international, who boasts 10 goals in 17 games at youth level, has scored 17 goals and made three assists in 35 games for Anderlecht. Nmecha has made only three appearances for Man City since rising through the youth ranks and hasn’t been able to dethrone Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus.
Aguero is departing this summer and Guardiola doesn’t trust Jesus to lead the line on a consistent basis, but Nmecha isn’t going to be in the manager’s plans next season. Verbeke said Anderlecht don’t have the required €15m to procure Nmecha’s signature, so it remains to be seen if they’ll get their man.
City might have to lower their demands if they can’t attract suitors otherwise they risk losing the 22-year-old on a free transfer next year. Making any small amount of money would be better than nothing.