EXCLUSIVE: Man City wanted Warren Zaire-Emery in January

Cameron Smith

Updated: 18 Feb 2025 18:52 GMT
3 min read

Manchester City were interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery during the January transfer window, FootballTransfers can confirm.

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The 18-year-old has emerged as a key player at the Parc des Princes over the past few years and his ascent to stardom has attracted interest from multiple top European clubs.

We have been informed that Man City were eager to finalise a deal for the France international in January, but they decided to walk away from negotiations after being quoted a fee of €100 million.

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After learning PSG’s asking price, Pep Guardiola’s side opted to end their interest in Zaire-Emery and they promptly completed a move for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez instead.

The Spain U21 star joined Man City for €60m on Transfer Deadline Day and he started his first Premier League match for the club against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

Gonzalez signed a four-and-a-half year deal upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium and Guardiola described him as a “mini-Rodri” following his performance during Man City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle.

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© IMAGO - Nico Gonzalez joined Man City during the January transfer window

Man City wanted Warren Zaire-Emery

Although Gonzalez has impressed since his move to Man City, FootballTransfers understands that Zaire-Emery was the club’s first choice midfield target during the winter window.

Guardiola was eager to bring a new central midfielder to the club amid Rodri’s injury layoff and the club attempted to sign Zaire-Emery before settling for Gonzalez.

Zaire-Emery has over four years remaining on his current contract at PSG, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €65.6m.

Current ETV

Warren Zaïre-Emery

M (C)

PSG

Warren Zaïre-Emery

M (C)

PSG

ETV Range

€59M - €72.1M

The 18-year-old has made 103 senior appearances for PSG, scoring eight goals and winning five trophies, and Anfield Watch exclusively revealed that Liverpool are also interested in acquiring his services this year.

In addition to Gonzalez, Man City also completed the signings of Omar Marmoush (€75m), Abdukodir Khusanov (€40m), Vitor Reis (€37m), Juma Bah (€6m) and Christian McFarlane (free) in January.