“World-class” £59m striker who’s outscoring Haaland wants to join Man City

A “world-class” striker has identified Manchester City as a destination in the summer transfer window, having made it clear he wants to move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Man City planning major rebuild

After winning an unprecedented four titles on the spin, Man City have finally dropped off this season, having lost nine of their 28 Premier League games up to this point, and manager Pep Guardiola is now planning a major summer rebuild.

The overhaul got underway back in January, with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov moving to the Etihad Stadium, but Guardiola has his eye on several other targets.

A report has suggested City may have closed a deal for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, with Rodri’s absence exposing the need to bring in additional options in midfield, while they are also weighing up a move for Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.

Guardiola is also keen on bolstering his wide options, with SC Braga winger Roger Fernandes recently emerging as a target, amid the uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish’s future.

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One position in which there is seemingly little need to strengthen is striker, given that Guardiola has Erling Haaland at his disposal, however a new report has suggested there could be an opportunity to bring in a new option in the summer.

According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres wants to move to the Premier League, and he has made it clear he wants to join either Man City, Arsenal or Liverpool.

Gyokeres’ summer exit is described as ‘inevitable’, and a move to the Etihad Stadium could be on the cards, should the Sky Blues be willing to stump up the €70m (£59m) asking price, which could rise even higher if a bidding war breaks out.

“World-class” Gyokeres in red-hot form

The Swedish striker has been extremely impressive this season, scoring 39 goals in 40 games in all competitions, 11 more than Haaland, albeit in a much weaker league.

The 26-year-old has had a steady rise to the top since emerging as a consistent goalscorer for Coventry City in the 2021-22 Championship campaign, and he is on course to record his best-ever goal return this term.

Having been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media, there is every indication the former Coventry man could make a real impact at one of Europe’s top clubs, but there are major doubts over whether he would be a necessary addition to Guardiola’s side.

It is unlikely any player in the world would be able to dislodge Haaland in the City starting XI, and Guardiola would risk both strikers becoming unsettled if he decided to bring in Gyokeres this summer, so it is probably wise to focus on strengthening other areas of the squad.