Manchester City have moved to identify a replacement for the departing Savinho, closing in on Palmeiras winger Allan Elias as talks between the two clubs advance rapidly.
According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old — who has spent his entire career to date at the Brazilian giants — is City's chosen option to fill the gap left by Savinho, who is closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Personal terms are understood to already be agreed, with transfer journalist Nicolò Schira reporting that a contract through to the summer of 2031 is in place on Elias's side, pending a fee being settled with Palmeiras.
What remains is for the two clubs to agree a price. Elias is contracted at Palmeiras until 2029 and carries a €100million release clause, but reports differ on how close City are to meeting that figure.
Some outlets suggest Palmeiras have so far rejected an opening approach in the region of €25-30million plus bonuses, while others indicate the Brazilian club could ultimately accept a fee closer to €40million if City push for an immediate deal rather than waiting until January, which is Palmeiras' stated preference.
City's interest comes at a busy moment for their forward line reshuffle. With Savinho advancing toward Tottenham and Omar Marmoush also subject to interest from the same club, City's sporting director Hugo Viana has been working to identify immediate cover, with Elias seen as a versatile option capable of playing on the wing or in a more central attacking role.
Since establishing himself in the Palmeiras first team last year, the Brazilian has made a strong impression domestically, and City's existing relationship with the club — strengthened by the earlier move for defender Vitor Reis — is understood to be a factor working in their favour as talks continue.
Palmeiras have publicly insisted Elias is not for sale midway through their season, and Brazilian outlets have reported the club's determination to keep hold of him at least until the January window if a suitable fee cannot be agreed now.
Whether City are prepared to meet a higher valuation in order to complete a deal before the European transfer window closes is likely to determine how quickly the move can be finalised.