Abu Dhabi: River Plate attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini has snubbed an offer of $4 million (Dh14.68 million) from Abu Dhabi-based club Bani Yas, according to the Argentinian press.
The 20-year-old Argentine, who spent last year on loan at Fluminense, had been tipped to leave the Buenos Aires-based club after the arrival of Paraguay’s Jonathan Fabbro from Cerro Porteno.
Bani Yas had a $6.5 million bid accepted, which included a 20 per cent future sales clause, and Lanzini was offered a three-year deal worth $1.3 million a season. However, the youngster has decided to stay and fight for his position.
“The financial offer was very good,” said Lanzini. “I consulted a lot with my family, but I struggled with the decision to stay. I prioritised sports. It is best to stay in River. I’m a fan and I love this club.
“I want to thank the people of the UAE who noticed me because it’s an honour, it means I’m doing things right.”
Jorge Da Silva’s Bani Yas were willing to offload either Senegalese striker Andre Senghor or Swedish winger Christian Wilhelmsson to make room for Lanzini. The club’s foreign player quota is already full with the signing of Omani defender Abdul Salam Al Mukhaini and the imminent arrival of Chilean striker Carlos Munoz.
Elsewhere, Al Wasl are reportedly interested in securing the services of another River Plate forward in 22-year-old Argentinian want-away Rodrigo Funes Mori. Laurent Banide’s Al Wasl are looking for a second striker after retaining Argentinian midfielder Mariano Donda, and signing Australian defender Milan Susak and Brazilian attacker Kaio Felipe Goncalves.
