Pep Guardiola believes exceptional player wants to sign for them this summer

Despite less than three weeks left to the close of the summer transfer window, Manchester City are still eyeing reinforcements in the midfield area.

Manager Pep Guardiola has just confirmed his second Premier League title win and he want to refresh the squad to make a charge for multiples next season. Much of the central midfield remains elite, with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva providing its focal point, though a few important players will be pushing into their 30ths.

Old midfield has made City forced to look for options, with Bruno Guimaraes joining their targets. The same Brazilian midfielder himself described as an “exceptional holding midfielder” by Guardiol, is said to be the subject of interest in a move to the Etihad Stadium throughout the summer.

This week, however, Guimaraes went public to commit himself to staying at Newcastle, dashing City’s hopes.

According to Journalist Ben Jacobs, Guimaraes would have been open to joining City if his £100 million release clause had been triggered. That release clause has expired now; thus, City are left with an upward battle to convince Newcastle to let go of their prized midfielder.

Reports have claimed that Manchester City still think Guimaraes is open to the transfer. It was that his versatility being able to play either defensive or attacking midfield made him an attractive option for Pep Guardiola and the tactical variations in his system.

City are not said to be seeking to replace any player but rather a high level, low-cost one that would be happy with a rotation role in the squad.

Whether City decides to make a formal approach for Guimaraes remains to be seen. Newcastle is likely to reject any offers or demand a better fee for their star player. Whichever way it goes, one thing remains sure: Guimaraes has been beyond doubt, and for City, he could just be the kind of player worth pursuing at least as one of their transfer targets.

The final decision will go to Newcastle, and City’s stance will ultimately make clear whether or not this audacious transfer can take place before the window closes.