Manchester City deadline day signing Nico Gonzalez has described the move as the "perfect opportunity" for him after sealing a �50m transfer from Porto.
The former Barcelona academy talent was identified as someone who could strengthen Citys midfield, which continues to be without Rodri and features two players aged 33 or older in veteran pair Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan.
Gonzalez signed a long-term contract until 2029 and became the fifth signing of the January transfer window after Omar Marmoush and centre-back trio Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.
"This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career," the 23-year-old told club media.
"I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There's no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.Look at the squad they have here. It's unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn't a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this set-up.
"I know the reputation Pep [Guardiola] has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.I am truly excited. I just want to meet my teammates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans!"
City had to cough up the full value of Gonzalez's release clause, albeit agreeing a payment structure rather than paying it all up front, due to Porto refusing to drop the asking price below that over a 40% sell-on clausethey owe to Barcelona.
It means that their winter spending exceeds �170m, with Marmoush the most expensive acquisition at a shade under �60m. City's Premier League campaign has already been damaged beyond repair - Sunday's 5-1 mauling at Arsenal the latest low ebb for Guardiola's side - and they face an uphill battle against Real Madrid over two legs in the Champions League.
But there is a sense that recruiting heavily now will allow the new faces to be fully ready for next season, recharging City's batteries to try and win a seventh Premier League title under Guardiola and second Champions League crown.
READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed
