Rennes is seeking a fee upwards of £45 million ($49.2 million) before allowing the 21-year-old player to depart. Sources reveal that Manchester City is willing to invest in the Belgian international, but there remains a gap in valuation.
Another option under consideration for Man City is Lyon’s Under-21 French national team forward, Bradley Barcola, as they strive to fill the void left by Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al Ahli for £30 million this summer.
City maintains an interest in Lucas Paquetá, but West Ham has communicated that any deal for the Brazilian midfielder will require an improved offer.
An oral bid of around £70 million was rejected, yet Man City remains encouraged that an agreement could still be reached.
Sources have indicated to ESPN that they are aware of Paqueta’s desire to join the Etihad Stadium, but West Ham is hesitant to lose another key player following Declan Rice’s departure to Arsenal.
While Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol were signed by the club this summer, Manchester City is projected to secure at least one more contract before the transfer window closes.
Pep Guardiola’s aspirations to bolster the team’s midfield and attacking front have been heightened by the absence of Ilkay Gündogan and Mahrez.
Although uncertainty surrounds Bernardo Silva’s future, Manchester City is growing increasingly confident that he will remain with the club.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker is poised to reject interest from Bayern Munich and opt for a new contract at Etihad. The 33-year-old player has one year remaining on his current contract but has received an extension offer.
