Five players Guardiola could target as £150m star’s dad 'prefers' another club

Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is believed to be Manchester City's top target, however, with a move now in the balance, we look at who could move to the Etihad instead of the German star

Manchester City target Florian Wirtz appears to favour a move to German giants Bayern Munich. It's been reported that City are ready to pay Bayer Leverkusen's £150million asking price, and a £21m-per-year salary is even said to have been discussed with the creative attacking midfielder.

According to German outlet BILD, it's believed that Pep Guardiola has told the player how he would fit into his team. Yet the player's father has supposedly insisted that Wirtz would prefer a move to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern, ditching Leverkusen for their big domestic rivals.

Wirtz, 21, has become one of European football’s most coveted talents after impressing with Leverkusen, and his capture by City – should they still manage to strike a deal – would be a major statement of intent.

It's not been a vintage campaign for the Sky Blues as the reigning champions currently sit 21 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. With the Wirtz transfer now in jeopardy and club icon Kevin De Bruyne also set to depart, we take a look at five alternatives that Guardiola could sign as fans brace for a summer of change at the Etihad.

Rayan Cherki

The Lyon star has bagged 11 goals this season as Lyon have marched their way to the Europa League semi-finals. He has been linked with a host of top clubs, but in an eye-catching development, could be available for as little as £20million, as per the Manchester Evening News.

Cherki predominantly plays wide on the right but can operate across the forward line, and is two-footed. While Thierry Henry, speaking on the Frenchman's ability, said: "I have never seen a player in history who dribbles as quickly as him, with both feet."

Mohammed Kudus

Former Ajax attacker Kudus is believed to be valued at around £70million by West Ham. And reports suggest they are open to cashing in on their 24-year-old attacking midfielder.

Kudus has over three years remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium, and he has struggled for consistency this season compared to his debut campaign in claret and blue. But when the Ghanaian star has delivered impressive performances, he has caught the attention of top clubs, having also been linked with the likes of Liverpool.

Should City want to guarantee securing his services, Kudus will have a release clause come into effect for Premier League teams worth £85m this summer.

Morgan Gibbs-White

City are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Gibbs-White, with the midfielder – who earned his first England caps earlier this season – being eyed as a replacement for De Bruyne.

He has played an integral role for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing side this season. However, Forest are keen to open talks with their star man over a potential new contract, as per The Athletic.

Gibbs-White has regularly worn the armband this season, while Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 25-year-old.

Bruno Guimaraes

While not an attacking midfielder outright, Guimaraes has been instrumental in Newcastle's success this season, with the Brazilian pivotal in Eddie Howe's capture of the Carabao Cup.

Guimaraes began life as a number six for the Magpies but can operate in a more advanced role as seen this during this campaign where he has netted four goals and claimed six assists.

Guimaraes is believed to have a £100million release clause in his contract, in a bid to ward off several of Europe's biggest clubs.

Xavi Simons

The 21-year-old Dutch international has been tracked by United, Bayern and Liverpool, but according to the Daily Mail, City do have their eye on the young star. The Red Bull Leipzig player can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Having scored 42 goals in his short career so far, Simons has already netted four for his country, including one against England in the Euro 2024 semi-final.