Blues line up Brazilian wide man as Spurs close in on Savinho
Manchester City are working on a deal to bring Palmeiras winger Allan Elias to the Etihad, with the club bracing for Savinho's departure to Tottenham.
The Athletic's David Ornstein, Mario Cortegana, Guillermo Rai and Sam Lee report that City have identified the 22-year-old as the man to fill the void on the right flank. It is a move that makes sense: Savinho seems destined to sign for Spurs in the near future, and City remain in the market for a winger, especially one who can operate on the right.
Elias fits the profile Maresca tends to favour. He is an all-action wide man, strong on both sides of the ball, quick, and comfortable in several positions. He can play on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, or in a more central midfield role if required. His game is built around aggression — an aggressive dribbler who thrives on taking on a full-back in wide areas, and a tireless worker out of possession who isn't afraid to get stuck into a duel and track back.
He is adept at winning duels, which should serve him well in a Maresca side that demands its wingers put in a shift defensively as well as going forward.
"He isn't a big name so to speak, but his strengths do line up with what Enzo Maresca would want for a winger."
Since breaking into the Palmeiras first team in 2025, Elias has scored six goals and added five assists in 48 appearances in Brazil's Serie A. He has spent his entire career at the São Paulo club.
There is, however, a catch. Palmeiras maintain that Elias isn't for sale this summer, and his contract includes a €100 million release clause. City will have to be persuasive if they want to prise him away.
Elias is the latest winger to be linked with City this summer, and it remains to be seen whether this one ends with a signature. But the Blues are clearly doing their homework on the Brazilian.