Man City target Crystal Palace star after Paqueta failure

Tom Weber

23 Aug 2023 15:14 BST
4 min read

Manchester City are targeting Eberechi Eze in a bid to bolster their midfield, according to a report.

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Pep Guardiola is keen to reinforce his treble-winning team in hopes of being able to repeat this incredible feat. Mateo Kovacic has already replaced Ilkay Gundogan, while Josko Gvardiol has been made the world's most expensive defender.

All told, Man City have already spent some €120 million on incomings, and they are far from finished there. Jeremy Doku is already in Manchester to complete his medical ahead of a €60m transfer from Stade Rennais. The 21-year-old erstwhile wonderkid will replace Riyad Mahrez, who departed for Al-Ahli.

Guardiola also wants to strengthen the centre of the park further in addition to Kovacic and to give it some more attacking oomph. With this in mind, City targeted West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, who has impressed in the Premier League since arriving.

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Indeed, the Cityzens already had a big-money deal wrapped up but were ultimately forced to pull out after gambling allegations came to light. This has forced them to look elsewhere for a midfield option.

© ProShots - Crystal Palace duo Ebere Eze and Michael Olise

City want Eze

Truth be told, they didn't have to look far to find a suitable target. Having already eyed Michael Olise as a potential Mahrez replacement, City have gone back to Crystal Palace.

According to the Daily Mail, they are keen on England international Eberechi Eze, who scored 10 goals and chipped in with four assists last term. A deal will be tough to complete, however, as the Eagles are said to be holding out for £70m (€82m considering that the window will slam shut soon.

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It has also been revealed by The Athletic that City are looking at Wolves star Matheus Nunes, confirming FootballTransfers' exclusive reporting that Pep Guardiola is a long-time admirer of the Portuguese midfielder.