The Manchester City transfer window leaves nothing to chance. In search of an offensive reinforcement to prepare for the post-Kevin of Bruyne, the Citizens leaders checked the name of Rayan Cherki. The Lyonnais, at the end of the cycle in the Rhône, seems to be seduced by the Mancunian project and discussions are already well advanced. But behind the scenes, City is preparing for all eventualities. And in particular to that where the agreement with OL would have.
Because according to information from The teamthe Skyblues have already identified a plan B. And it is not a second knife. It is Xavi Simons, the Dutch international loaned this season to Leipzig this season by Paris Saint-Germain. Still under contract with the capital's club, Simons has an uncertain future. Leipzig will not compete in the next Champions League and the option of a departure is now plausible. City, pragmatic, therefore keeps a very attentive eye on the file.
The interest in Simons is not new. The player trained at the Masia caught the eye of several European cadors, including Manchester United and Arsenal. But Pep Guardiola's project could have additional arguments, especially since Simons has the ideal profile to embody the new creative generation wanted by the Catalan coach. Its volume of play, its versatility and its ability to break the lines make it a target of choice.
Cherki still in the pole, but nothing is acted
Despite everything, Manchester City has not yet thrown the in the towel into the Cherki file. The player would even have given the green light on the contractual terms offered. It remains to convince OL to let go of its jewel, which could be played around an offer of around 29 million euros. But faced with competition and the need to act quickly, City keeps contact with Simons representatives.
In the reconstruction of an aging workforce in certain key positions, Guardiola advances methodically. Whether Cherki or Simons, the objective is clear: injecting talent and creativity at the heart of the game. And City intends not to miss its target, regardless of the name.
