Manchester City served blow in pursuit of Claudio Bravo replacement

Manchester City have been served a blow in their pursuit of Samir Handanovic after the goalkeeper reiterated his commitment to Inter even if they fail to achieve Champions League football next season.

Handanovic, 32, only signed a new three-year deal with Inter in January 2016 after establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A, but he has recently emerged as a target for City as Pep Guardiola seeks to replace Claudio Bravo between the sticks this summer.

The Chile international only joined City from Barcelona at the start of the summer but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has even dropped down the pecking order in recent weeks as a summer return to Spain looks increasingly likely.

However, Guardiola may now have to look at alternative options in the summer with Handanovic commitment to Inter even if their Champions League absence continues.

“More than a lack of silverware, I was hurt by the feeling that Inter would never be able to compete at a certain level, even before the season started,” Handanovic told Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia. “There was truly massive changes in the club and it didn’t help that we changed coach and players so often too.

“I could see people disappointed by fourth or fifth place, and I understood that, but in reality we couldn’t have done better because the other teams were stronger. Have I regretted coming to Inter? Never! A call from Inter is the dream of every player.

“At Udinese I saw his [Jose Mourinho] marvellous side win Scudetto titles and the Champions League. Inter are still now one of the five or six most prestigious clubs in the world and now we feel like we’re at the start of something important again.

“I would remain at Inter even without Champions League football. Besides, there’s no guarantee we won’t go straight in next season.”

The Slovenia international is perhaps best known for his penalty saving ability, which is highlighted by the fact he has saved at least two more spot kicks in the last four Serie A campaigns than any other goalkeeper (8).

For more stats on Samir Handanovic, click here to visit his WhoScored player page