Man City plotting repeat of Erling Haaland trick by signing ‘special’ Europe’s most in-demand star and more transfer rumours

Manchester City have been reportedly inspired to sign Europe’s most in-demand Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after the winger’s performance this season.

The 21-year-old has been a shining light for the Italian powerhouses during their bright start to the season, coming up with seven goals and eight assists in 14 outings in all tournaments.

Already hailed by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as ‘special’, Kvaratskhelia has been arguably the breakout player in Europe this season as Napoli continue to defy expectations.

According to The Express, Manchester City are plotting a repeat of Erling Haaland trick by signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Georgian star has scored five and assisted three so far this season, leading to him having a growing list of admirers. Liverpool, Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid are also keen to acquire the services of the 21-year-old, which could spark an eye-watering bidding war.

Interested parties have apparently been handed a boost to their chances of striking a deal for the attacker, as The Sun claims that he is hesitant to put pen to paper on a new Napoli deal.

The report claims that Luciano Spalletti’s side want to hand the youngster a bumper new deal, and a release clause of £65m would be inserted into the contract.

However, Kvaratskhelia is instead keen to assess all of his options before making a firm decision on his future, and he should not be short of offers if he does decide to head elsewhere.

Elsewhere, tentative reports – as relayed by Caught Offside – are linking City with a surprise move for Chelsea playmaker Kai Havertz.

Kai Havertz joined Chelsea back in 2020 after a fantastic few years at Bayer Leverkusen getting 77 goal contributions in 150 games.

However, he has failed to hit the heights at Chelsea playing in several positions across the frontline emphasising how several managers have failed to get the best out of him.

In Germany he played as an attacking striker but almost at times as a second striker so it may be a reason why Manchester City are linked with him according to Simon Phillips as they look for an ideal attacker for the false nine system.

It has been suggested that any move for the forward would be complicated due to Chelsea’s reluctance to sell to a direct rival.

Also Manchester City are reportedly willing to make offer for AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez

Left-back has been a problem for position for Guardiola whilst he has been at City but according to Calciomercato he is looking to end that issue.

Manchester City have had some issues in defence due to a few injuries to key members of the side with the main one being right-back Kyle Walker.

This has led to Joao Cancelo having to play on the right even though he usually plays on the left for City, as well as Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake having to fill in at full-back but Pep Guardiola wants to sort this issue out by signing the AC Milan left-back.

Theo Hernandez has been at AC Milan since 2019 and was an important member of the side who won the Scudetto last season which will have impressed several coaches around Europe.

Manchester City have reportedly been dealt Alessandro Bastoni setback as race to sign the Inter Milan defender hots up.

Despite boasting Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake in their squad, City opted to make yet another move at centre-back during the summer transfer window. The Blues managed to bring in Manuel Akanji and the former Borussia Dortmund man continues to settle into life on these shores.

However, amid lingering suggestions that Laporte and Ake might be subject to interest from elsewhere, Bastoni is seen to be on the club’s radar – although Pep Guardiola might not be the only manager wanting to sign him.

According to Fichajes as relayed by MEN, Manchester City are braced for competition in their proposed bid to sign the Inter Milan defender.

The article states Manchester United and Real Madrid are among those keen on the former Atalanta player. Indeed, bitter rivals United reportedly want to make Bastoni ‘one of the star signings for 2023/2024’.