But what fly bites Manchester City on the transfer window at the start of August? In a few days, the reigning European champions welcomed Joško Gvardiol from Leipzig against 90 M€. In recent hours, a sum of more than €100 million has been offered to West Ham to recover Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian midfielder who passed through OL. Enough to go in search of new titles?
Not necessarily, because Pep Guardiola has another idea in mind, he wants to replace Riyad Mahrez who left for Saudi Arabia on the side of Al-Ahli. He has already targeted the profile of the player sought, namely a hard-hitting, young player with plenty of room for improvement. He ticked the names of three players and not the least since they are great promises of European football with a very French accent and who are worth between 40 and 60 M€.
Doubts on the part of City on the physique of Jérémy Doku
First name and player Guardiola and Manchester City know best, Michael Olise (21). The three-color international striker from Crystal Palace, a time tracked by PSG, had a superb season with 11 assists and 2 goals in the Premier League. The player trained in Reading, under contract until June 2026 with the Eagles, caught the eye of the Citizens. Partner of Olise in the French U23 team, Bradley Barcola is also very popular with the reigning European champion according to our information. His sparkling half-season at OL (5 goals and 8 assists) won over European football, starting with PSG who offered €30 million to snatch Gone. If OL said no for this sum, what will happen in the event of a considerable offer from Manchester City for this striker, now represented by Jorge Mendes and under contract with OL until 2026.
Jérémy Doku is also on City’s shortlist. This great promise of European football recruited for 26 M€ by the Rennais stadium in 2020 put aside his injuries to finally let his talent speak. Untenable at the end of last season, the Belgian international striker, whom Rennes will agree to sell for a large check, recalled the good memories of European recruiters and City, seduced by his ability to erase his opponent and make the difference ball at the foot. However, an internal source from the English club has revealed to us that doubts remain within the Cityzens themselves about the ability of the former Anderlecht player to play at the highest level without getting injured (41 missed matches over the last two seasons with Rennes for hamstring and knee injuries). Enough to demote him in the hierarchy of Skyblues summer targets to this highly sought-after position of right winger.
