Man City news: Pep Guardiola targeting Florian Wirtz and Bruno Guimarães as Kevin De Bruyne replacement
Manchester City have had an out-of-sorts campaign this season, with the club sitting fifth in the Premier League.
With competition for the European spots as fierce as ever, there is every possibility that Pep Guardiola’s men could miss out on Champions League football altogether next season.
The Cityzens could still get their hands on some silverware, though, with Nottingham Forest standing in their way of a third successive FA Cup final.
Following their poor season, many expect there to be a huge overhaul at the Etihad.
Legendary midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced his departure from Manchester City at the end of the season, with several of Europe’s brightest stars linked with replacing the Belgian.
Florian Wirtz top target
Man City have made it no secret that they are huge, long-standing admirers of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
The German was linked with a move to the Etihad last summer, however, that deal never came to fruition.
According to Fabrizio Romano, City have identified the 21-year-old as the ‘ideal’ heir to De Bruyne’s sky blue throne.
Valued at €140million on Transfermarkt, the midfielder is sure to cost a pretty penny, and with other positions in need of investment, Guardiola may look to other midfield options.
Bruno Guimarães considered
Another long-standing target of Manchester City, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, is also being considered by the hierarchy at the Etihad.
Much like Wirtz, the Brazilian would not come cheap, with the Magpies reportedly inserting a £100million relasue clause into his contract.
The 27-year-old has played a pivotal role in the Saudi revolution at St. James’ Park since moving to the North East in 2022, leading the club to their first trophy in 70 years this March.
Despite the price tag, Guardiola & Co. are reportedly set to reignite their interest in the midfielder, as per Portuguese outlet UOL esporte.
City eye Morgan Gibbs-White
There have not been many better midfielders in the Premier League this season than Morgan Gibbs-White.
The Englishman’s performances for Nottingham Forest have skyrocketed the East Midlands club into European contention, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side third in the Premier League table.
Forest could be on course to qualify for Europe for the first time since 1996.
While a European adventure at the City Ground is on the cards for Gibbs-White, his efforts this season have not gone unnoticed.
The Athletic have reported that Manchester City are considering a move for the England international this summer, who would offer a cheaper alternative to other targets.
With five goals and nine assists this season, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant campaign, and his output would only grow at a club like Man City.
Nobody will be able to truly live up to the standard that De Bruyne has set at the Etihad over the last 10 years, however, any of these three midfield maestros would make great replacements for the Belgian.
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