City’s record signing has long identified the Nou Camp as his favoured destination and, after a highly successful World Cup with Brazil, could now get his wish with the Spanish giants interested in doing a deal.
And M.E.N. Sport understands City’s top brass are hoping to take advantage of the Spanish club’s current financial plight to pull off a bombshell swap that would solve two problems at once.
It has been widely reported in Spain that Robinho, who has been on loan at Santos, would be the makeweight in the proposed deal being thrashed out in Barcelona.
Swede Ibrahimovic was at the centre of a similar swap-plus-cash deal last year when he moved from Inter Milan to Barcelona for £35m with Samuel Eto’o going the other way.
Intriguingly, Ibrahimovic played under Blues boss Roberto Mancini when he was in charge at Inter and the Eastlands chief rates him so highly he would be willing to pay £15m-plus and lose Robinho.
City are looking to continue to splash the cash in a determined bid to land at least a Champions League place next season with Ibrahimovic now joining James Milner on the Eastlands wanted list.
But the Blues, who have already shelled out an amazing £60m this summer creating a new all-stars international team, will have to up their current offer to £30m in order to land the Villa and England midfielder.
Mancini has been determined the Blues do not pay over the top in transfer fees and has already snapped up a trio of superstars Yaya Toure from the Ivory Coast, Germany’s Jerome Boateng and David Silva who is in contention to start for Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final against Holland.
The question for the Blues hierarchy is whether to test Villa’s resolve with a final £30m bid.
But Villa, who bought Milner for £12m two years ago from Newcastle, are up for a fight to keep him by offering the player a lucrative new contract.
Meanwhile City, together with United, are understood to be in the race for Inter Milan hitman Mario Balotelli. But the Italy Under-21 international striker has three years left on his contract with Inter and could remain with the European champions.
Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola said: “The offers from the two Manchester clubs? Offers have arrived from all the top clubs in Europe but Mario has never asked to leave the club.”
Mancini, meanwhile, has vowed to clinch a place in the top four next season as well as winning some silverware.
“Excited? Yes I am,” he said. “Even before I see where we finish in the transfer market." Tweet
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I would take a straight swap.
Better that than paying £20m as reported in some quarters this morning.
Given Barcas "cash flow" problems could they afford to pay him.
Both overvalued an overrated, would probably say Robiniho is the better choice.
Milner is not for me at £30m, I'd rather have a punt on the young Belgium winger Hazard.
Milner is not worth £30m and would not get into the first team as the squad stands today. £20m is generous and that was before the disastrous world cup. Go back with the £20m take-it-or-leave-it and if they reject again then walk away ......
It's Panini-stickerbook-tastic!
If it gets rid of Rob the sulk then so be it. However,I do feel that this guy isn't wired up right..only time will tell and if he doe's sign for Gods own team,and if he doe's then I will give him 100% support and I I know all you(real)blues will too.
I can understand the deal for Ibra as it does help solve the problem with Robinho but Balotelli has to be one of the most overrated players. The guys also has a terrible attitude. If we have more cash to spend then use it on Kolarov, Luiz and Ozil. Milner may be a good deal but only at £15m plus Ireland or Onouha
I hope you are correct that we win some silverware mr Mancini. You should be keeping all the young Players & jo hart in Goal as your no 1 Keeper
I know Barcelona successfully negotiated a swap deal last season but how many times do these deals actually happen. Swap deals are for journalists, not football clubs normally.
Great if we do the deal and let them have the little Brazilian fairy he doesnt want to come back to eastlands anyway he thinks hes to good for us well watch this space sunshine when all the titles and silverware start to flow in
Have to be honest I've never been convinced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but then again I wasn't convinced about Bellers - How can Barca afford Robinho's wages if they struggling financially ? Be good to see the back of Robinho though as he's been the most disapponiting buy since Steve Daley
Well Balotelli will go with the club going places and with money to spend so won't be going to MU!!!
Can't wait for August the 14th ........ bring em on !!!!!!!
If the story true, that puts the Dezeko(shame) and Torres rumours to bed.(does Torres really want to stay at Liverpool?)
At least we will get rid of Robinho and get Ibrahimovic for a poultry outlay of £15mill. Again if the MEN is correct?(hmmm)
No No No. ok, we have lots of money but we're making clubs like Barca and Villa rich by stupid signings. This guy's not worth the money, so highly over rated.
If this coup comes off it will be one of City's best ever deals in the history of the club,without doubt!
Furthermore if it does will the Gary Cook 'snipers' stop their fickle criticism towards our main man? Personally I doubt it but it will at least dispel a lot of negativity towards a man who is contributing to the cause of the blue revolution,for pity's sake get off his back and start supporting him?
Well if it has to be Zlatan rather than Dzeko then we won't be complaining too much . I would prefer younger players myself but would really not like seeing our own academy players leaving to accommodate them. 25 senior players now means someone must leave for every signing! We've already got a top four team so onwards and upwards.
CTID
I think a straight swap is ok, but no way the $15 mil on top as we all know Robinho wouldn't want to come back to us anyway. Ibrahimovic who has played under Mancini and he knows what players work hard, yes he was a little lazy with Barca, but look at the squad of players, he didn't have to work that hard really. So i woulder prefer Ibrahimovic to play for City than Robinho as he is stronger and also can play lone striker, where robinho couldn't.
Please no, no football reasons to bring Ibra on 250K+ a week
Mr Mancini - Manchester City should be going for young talent like midfield Graham Dorrans/ striker Mesut Ozil these guy knows where the Goals are Just my opption.
Not seen this anywhere m,e,n hope its true :)
Ibra or torres will do nicely thanks,either and top for is a cert and winning it is within our grasp!!
Why is spending £60 million "amazing" ?
Maybe if you're a fan of a has been club bringing in cheap 2nd raters and free transfers 60 mill would seem amazing
arrogant, big headed, greedy, so my swedish wife tells me.Han är inte ett bra köp.
Let's see if this really does pan out. Quite happy if we now offload Robbie on a direct swap basis, but if City are actually going to get involved in giving an additional £15m then our negotiators must be truly losing the plot!
TTFN