Manchester City are identifying the France international as Ederson’s replacement for the new number one position

Premier League champions Manchester City have identified their replacement for Ederson this summer should the Brazilian secure an exit from the Etihad Stadium.

Speculation has been rife over the Brazil international’s future in recent weeks, following a season which saw a significant increase in opportunities for Stefan Ortega.

The latter enjoyed strong performances when called upon by Pep Guardiola, with Ederson succumbing to a series of avoidable injuries in the second half of the most recent campaign.

However, with a contract that runs until the summer of 2026 and one last opportunity for a big payday and challenge within the game, Ederson could opt for a bold move to Saudi Arabia’s footballing divisions, while are pursuing an ambitious approach for the Premier League icon.

While there has been talk that an exit for the Brazilian could lead to a promotion to the number one spot for Stefan Ortega, a new report has revealed that Manchester City have identified a new face to replace Ederson directly.

Manchester City’s transfer department are understood to be covering themselves should the Saudi Pro League investment fall through on the 30-year-old and as such Maignan is now their top target for the upcoming summer market.

Maignan has been a mainstay between the sticks for AC Milan for several seasons and the most recent campaign saw him make 42 appearances in all competitions, conceding 52 goals and keeping 15 clean sheets in the process.

Now 28, he has agreed a deal to sign for AC Milan in the 2021 summer transfer window, arriving at the club from LOSC Lille for a reported fee of €15m and being seen as a replacement directly of PSG. linked to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Should Manchester City opt to go ahead with a deal for a new main number one choice at the club, in the event of an Ederson exit, then the chances of keeping Stefan Ortega are likely to be significantly reduced.

The German stopper is already establishing himself as the number one in goal and, if that is not possible at the Etihad Stadium from the start of next season, then he is likely to take one of the many opportunities that could arise in the coming months.