Manchester City are preparing for life without Fernandinho, after the Brazilian announced he was leaving the club at the end of the season last month.
The 37-year-old has come to play an important role for City in recent weeks, filling in at centre-back amid a host of injuries to defenders. The midfielder is set to return to his homeland this summer with a number of clubs interested.
However, Fernandinho is said to have already picked his preferred destination. According to Sport Witness, his agent has told enquiring parties about his client’s decision.
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The report says he is returning to Athletico Paranaense, the club which broke him into senior football in 2003. The transfer is described as ‘certain’ with the veteran set to sign on or after July 18.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have joined Arsenal and Juventus in the race for Gabriel Jesus, so say the Mirror. The striker has been linked with a move away from City, with this speculation intensifying following the acquisition of Erling Haaland.
Arsenal are said to be frontrunners for Jesus amid his relationship with former City assistant Mikel Arteta. However, a lack of Champions League football may see the attacker scoff a move to the Emirates and join Juventus instead.
Newcastle are not thought to be strong contenders for his signature with the player looking for a European big-hitter as he tries to cement his place in the Brazil World Cup squad.
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