Man City suffer major setback in winger pursuit and more transfer rumours

Manchester City appear to have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.

The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with a move for the Arsenal and AC Milan winger ahead of the January transfer window.

Saka wonderful linkup and interchanges with Phil Foden left many fans pondering and excited at the idea of Saka lighting up the Etihad alongside Foden on a regular basis, but the move appears to have taken a major blow.

According to Caught Offside via Fabrizio’s Romanos/@FabrizioRomano daily transfer brief, Saka is due to take part in talks with the league leaders in the ‘next weeks and months’.

The report states that Arsenal adamant want to extend the 21-year-old’s contract instead of cashing-in on their talisman amid the interest generated around the winger.

Pep Guardiola’s side may also find it more difficult to secure the signature of AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad.

The 23-year-old is one of the best wingers in the world and made his mark at Qatar 2022. His physicality matches the profile of new player Man City will need and his trickery and skill are the rogue forward options missing.

Leao’s current deal at San Siro is due to expire in June 2024, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks. Man City are one of the clubs believed to be interested in signing the Portugal international.

Unfortunately, Pep Guardiola’s side – and any other Premier League side harboring an interest in the attacker will be disappointed as Leao’s current camp are standing firm with their stance.

Speaking on SkySports, manager Stefano Pioli said, “I advise him to sign a new deal and stay at Milan. I see Rafa very happy here.”

Milan have continued to hold this stance ever since links with a move away emerged but no tangible progress appears to have been made and it’s only making the circling sharks hungrier.

Man City are reportedly joined by a host of clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid in holding admiration and longstanding interest in him, with a massive £127m release clause currently in play.

Elsewhere, GiveMeSport have better news for City fans as they claim that Tottenham have been priced out of a move to sign Josko Gvardiol.

Talking to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, they report that the North London club will not be able to match the financial power of City should a bidding war ensue for Gvardiol.

Guardiola’s side are already believed to have submitted an offer in the region of £85million for the 20-year-old centre-back, with rivals Manchester United also thought to have offered fees in the region of £77-82m.