Manchester City willing to offer €120 million to sign midfielder from UCL rivals: Reports
Manchester City are reportedly ready to shell out €120 million for the services of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery as a replacement for the injured Rodri.
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner is out for the season after injuring his ACL, having played a key role for club and country last season. He struck nine times and assisted 14 goals in 50 appearances across competitions as City won an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola's side, though, fell short of becoming the first side to win consecutive continental trebles. They fell in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Real Madrid on penalties in the UEFA Champions League and to Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
Rodri also helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, scoring once in six games, and being named the 'Player of the Tournament' as La Roja became the first four-time Euro winners. In his absence, City have lost their last four games across competitions, a first for Guardiola in his legendary managerial career.
To mitigate Rodri's absence in the middle of the park, the Cityzens, as per Fichajes.net, have set their sight on the 18-year-old Zaire-Emery, who could suit Guardiola's possession-based playing style. Despite his tender years, the teenager has been a regular under Parisians boss Luis Enrique, so City are looking to bring him to the Etihad.
City's gargantuan offer could test PSG's resolve, with Zaire-Emery contracted to the Parc des Prince till 2029, with the option of an additional year.
What's next for Manchester City?
Manchester City find themselves in unchartered territory under Pep Guardiola, losing four straight games across competitions. Following a 2-1 EFL Cup Round of 16 loss at Tottenham Hotspur, City slumped to a 2-1 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth.
The slide continued with a heavy 4-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at Sporting CP, which was followed by a 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion in the league just before the international break. The defeat marked the first time in 47 Premier League games (winning 40) that Erling Haaland scored, but City didn't win.
Guardiola's side will seek a return to winning ways when they take on Tottenham Hotspur at home in the league on November 23, looking to avenge their EFL Cup loss.
Following consecutive league defeats, City find themselves five points behind leaders Liverpool (28) after 11 games. Meanwhile, in the UEFA Champions League, the 2022-23 champions are 10th with two wins in four games.