Manchester City are now making strong moves to sign a “midfield maestro” who’s a key target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta this summer, according to a report.
De Bruyne closing in on Man City departure
Kevin De Bruyne has been a fantastic servant to Man City, playing a major role in the unbelievable success achieved in the Pep Guardiola era, but it looks like the Belgian’s time at the Etihad Stadium could be coming to an end.
De Bruyne is now in talks over a move to San Diego FC, with his City contract set to expire at the end of the season, leaving Guardiola with a gaping hole in the attacking midfield area, although it is probably the right decision to sanction his departure.
The 33-year-old is now arguably in the twilight years of his career, given his age, and he looked a shadow of his usual self against Liverpool at the weekend, with City-supporting Daily Express journalist Amos Murphy questioning his performance.
As such, Guardiola may face the difficult task of replacing De Bruyne in the summer, and with The Boot Room reporting Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic’s futures are also uncertain, the Sky Blues are keen on a move for Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan.
City are said to be making strong moves to sign Nypan, and they remain hopeful they will be able to beat Arsenal to his signature, despite being identified as a key target by Arteta.
Initially, the plan was for the Norwegian youngster to be loaned out to Girona, but there is now a willingness to offer him a first-team spot in Guardiola’s side, and previous reports have detailed a deal could amount to just £10m.
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Man City now interested in signing 19 y/o who could be available for £66m
Man City and Pep are keen on signing a young attacker to strengthen their forward line for next season.
The reigning Premier League champions are hoping the offer of a first-team spot could help them win the race for the 18-year-old, while they may also call upon Norwegian compatriots Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb to persuade him to join.
“Midfield maestro” Nypan impressing in Norway
Although still a teenager, the Rosenborg ace has already built up a great deal of first-team experience, making 60 appearances for the first team, during which time he has picked up 13 goals and 11 assists.
The Norwegian’s ability going forward suggests he could be capable of playing in an advanced role, much like De Bruyne, but he has featured slightly deeper in the majority of his appearances up to this point. Having impressed in that role, the starlet has been lauded as a “midfield maestro” by Ben Mattinson, who also deems him to have “world-class potential”.
As such, it is exciting news that Man City are now making strong moves to beat Arsenal to Nypan’s signature, and Guardiola will be hoping he is capable of slotting straight into the first team.