Former Serie A side attacker Manuel Pucciarelli is set to sign with a Melbourne side according to his agent.  Speaking to Italian paper Tutto Mercato Pucciarelli's agent is quoted as saying:

"We have an opportunity abroad. We are close to a possibility in Australia. An opportunity for both sides: for Melbourne to secure a player with experience in Italy, for Manuel to play in the Champions League. It is a high level championship ”.

By this admission, one can deduct that the club in question is Melbourne City as it's winning 2020-21 season makes it the only Melburnian club to have qualified for the 2022 AFC Champions League.

According to Italian paper Tifosi Palermo, Pucciarelli was recently released from Serie B side AC Chievo Verona.  Tifosi Palermo go on to confirm Tutto Mercato's link to a Melbourne based club.  

Should Pucciarelli sign with City, the Victorian club will gain a player with more than ten years of experience in Italy.  The attacker started his career with then Serie B club Empoli FC in 2010-11.  He remained with the club until 2019.  Empoli achieved promotion to Serie A in 2013-14.

Pucciarelli went on two loans during his time with Empoli, first with Serie D club Follonica Gavorrano in 2011-12 and then with Serie A rivals Chievo Verona from 2017 to 2019.  He signed a permanent deal with Chievo in 2019 and was then temporarily loaned to Serie B side Delfino Pescara in 2019-20.  He also spent time on loan with UAE club Dibba Al-Fujairah last season. 

The 30-year-old has largely been used as a second striker or false nine in his career.  In his 230 Italian league appearances he has managed to score 36 goals. 16 of those were Serie A goals where he also made 7 assists. 

Should the City move come to fruition, it will be the club's third new signing of the off season.  Forward Matthew Leckie and defender Jordon Hall joined the champions on a free transfers.