Manchester City are edging closer to signing Argentina striker Julian Alvarez from River Plate – but they also have one eye on the summer transfer window.
By then it will be 12 months since Sergio Aguero departed for Barcelona and, despite an impending swoop for his compatriot Alvarez, that same position will be the priority.
Borussia Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland is a top target in that regard.
The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the hottest properties in Europe during two years with German side Borussia Dortmund and there is set to be an almighty scramble for his goalscoring services when a €64m release clause in his contract activates.
City, too, might revive their interest in England captain Harry Kane, although the prolific Tottenham frontman will come at a significant and likely nine-figure cost.
Here are six players who could be available for a ‘cut-price’ during the summer transfer window;
Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich): You might remember him from Arsenal and West Brom. It was during an ill-fated loan spell with the Baggies that Tony Pulis refused to play Gnabry but, fast forward five years, the Germany forward is a completely different player and one of the very best in his position. His staggering international record reads 20 goals from 32 games. Out of contract in 2023, the suggestion from Bayern Munich is that he will put pen to paper on extended terms.
Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax): While neighbours Manchester United are the ones gunning for recruits in midfield, Pep Guardiola and City will not pass up the opportunity to scout generational talents. Gravenberch is exactly that and, while there is plenty of noise surrounding England sensation Jude Bellingham, the Ajax teenager comes with a huge reputation and potential, too. The box-to-box Netherlands midfielder is one for the present and future at 19.
(Image: Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund): Amid suggestions that City were targeting a new left-back last summer, Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo has made a mockery of that with his form. Of course, Guardiola might eventually need back-up in that area and Guerreiro fits the bill in that sense. He has had injury problems this season.
Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund): Okay so Haaland will not come at a ‘cut-price’ in the strictest sense and he’s the only player on this list whose contract doesn’t end in 2023. However, given what that Norwegian may ordinarily cost, his much-publicised release clause (around €64million) means City and other potential suitors are preparing to grab the bargain of a lifetime. Haaland will pretty much guarantee goals.
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich): As with all striking options, this comes down to Haaland and what path the Norwegian decides to take. Still at the top of his craft, Lewandowski has not ruled out seeking a new challenge and he worked under Guardiola during his time at the Bayern helm. It goes without saying that the Poland captain would not be a longer-term option, but should Haaland settle on Spain (or even Bayern) then it wouldn’t exactly be a downgrade over the next couple of seasons.
Who should City sign next summer? Have your say in the comments section below.
Youri Tielemans (Leicester City): Copy and paste from Gravenberch. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers admits the Foxes might not be able to keep hold of the Belgian if the right club come calling and, with his Premier League experience, Tielemans ticks a lot of boxes. A would-be swoop for City here depends on outgoings, you would think.
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