As Gianluigi Donnarumma continues to be linked with a Premier League move, we take a look at the Italian shot-stopper's potential Manchester United transfer and flash points surrounding PSG's keeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma could face some interesting reunions if he ends up joining Manchester United. Italy's No.1 goalkeeper is reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford, after Paris Saint-Germain agreed a £35million deal to sign Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
United have been busy in the transfer window, signing Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and they are also on the verge of buying Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth just short of £74m including add-ons. A move for PSG's goalkeeper is said to be difficult at present.
But the situation may change if United are able to shift unwanted players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho – subsequently boosting their budget.
The former AC Milan goalkeeper also has a history with Premier League clubs and some players he could yet come up against. Mirror Football takes a look at Donnarumma's past fracases.
Donnarumma's clash with Liverpool icon
In the Euro 2020 final, Donnarumma was seen arguing with former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson at half time. As both teams went into the dressing room for the break, England were leading the Italians 1-0, thanks to Luke Shaw's half-volley in the second minute.
But as Donnarumma strutted towards the tunnel, Henderson – an England substitute at the time – came out to confront the goalkeeper. The now Brentford midfielder was seen pointing at the penalty area while berating the goalkeeper.
It's believed he took issue with Donnarumma's furious reaction to Raheem Sterling going down in the penalty area in the first half, which led to the PSG ace angrily confronting the forward. After Henderson approached him, a member of staff from the Italian team could be seen pulling Donnarumma away from the midfielder and down the tunnel.
Italy, of course, went on to win the final on penalties – leaving Three Lions fans inside Wembley heartbroken.
Pep Guardiola meddling
This summer, Manchester City have also been linked with a move for Donnarumma. This is seemingly ironic, as reports claim Pep Guardiola personally intervened to prevent a move for the Italian happening in the summer of 2023.
PSG were believed to be so interested in signing City midfielder Bernardo Silva in 2023, they were willing to offer the goalkeeper and Marco Verratti in exchange. However, Guardiola was intent on holding onto Silva and was said to have personally ended any hope of the move happening.
Two years later, City have been linked with Donnarumma again, as per Football Italia, despite the fact they recently signed James Trafford from Burnley.
Man Utd U-turn
At the age of 18 years old, it was reported how Donnarumma had privately told his friends he was on his way to the Premier League.
During this period, David De Gea looked certain to join Real Madrid, only for a fax machine to infamously scupper his move to the Bernabeu.
United were the heavy favourites at the time, according to The Sun, and were confident they could wrap up a deal for the teenager back in 2017. However, Donnarumma performed a U-turn and proceeded to apologise to AC Milan supporters, ultimately signing a new long-term contract at the San Siro.
After the move did not go through, he said: "I'm delighted and proud to be at Milan. I was born and raised at this club and I never had any doubts about staying in my mind.
"I'm sorry to the fans who felt betrayed, but I repeat that was not my intention. I'm sorry to them and thank them for their affection for these two years. I am proud to be here."
Chelsea star floored
After Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final this summer, Donnarumma and his manager Luis Enrique were furious with the antics of Joao Pedro. The Brazilian, who scooped the Blues' third goal over the Italian's head, was shoved in the throat by Donnarumma, while Enrique also wanted to get his own strike on him.
Pedro, who joined the west Londoners from Brighton & Hove Albion for £60m this summer, fell to the floor, clutching his face. Donnarumma and Enrique continued arguing with Chelsea players, who also steamed into the scuffle.
In the end, his shove on Pedro proved to be the most memorable moment of the post-match altercation. With Chelsea also previously expressing an interest in Donnarumma, it's possible the Italian and Pedro could yet become team-mates in the future, although United's hunt for a keeper appears more pressing right now.