Pep Guardiola signs £50m Nico Gonzalez in last-ditch attempt to save Man City's season

Manchester City have taken their January spending over the £200m for the month after confirming the arrival of Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez

Manchester City took their January spending to almost £200m after completing the signing of Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez.

City finalised a £50m deal for the Porto midfielder, who became their fourth signing of the January transfer window. Gonzalez has agreed a deal that will keep him at the Etihad until 2029.

City had already spent £125m on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. Gonzalez had a £50m release clause in his contract, but City are understood to have negotiated a restructured payment of the deal.

City had been looking to add a central midfielder to bolster their squad ever since Ballon d'Or winner Rodri suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament against Arsenal last September, which ruled him out for the season.

It was against Arsenal over the weekend that saw City destroyed 5-1 with a distinct lack of runners in the middle of the park.

Guardiola ordered his Etihad bosses to sign Gonzalez in the wake of City's five goal hammering at Arsenal on Sunday.

Gonzalez, who came through Barcelona's famed academy, just like City boss Pep Guardiola, has scored seven goals and produced six assists in 29 appearances for Porto this season.

The Spain U21 international's versatility in being able to play a range of midfield positions made him an attractive option for City, who have suffered hugely with the enforced loss of Rodri.

Gonzalez said: "This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career.

“I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.

“Look at the squad they have here... it’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this setup.

“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.

“I am truly excited. I just want to meet my teammates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans!”