Manchester City are reportedly planning to break the bank for an African Premier Leagu star as the club eye a hasty rebuild under Pep Guardiola.
The reigning Premier League champions have encountered a rough patch, suffering nine defeats in their last twelve matches across all competitions.
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This slump has seen them drop to seventh place in the league, trailing leaders Liverpool by a considerable twelve points. Their recent 2-1 loss to Aston Villa further compounded their woes, marking one of the worst runs in Guardiola's managerial career.
In response to their faltering form, the Citizens are believed to be eyeing reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window, with West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus emerging as a prime target.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined West Ham from Ajax in 2023 for £38 million, has been a standout performer for the Hammers.
Accoridng to Fichajes via TEAMtalk, City are reportedly willing to offer €80 million (R1.5 billion) to secure Kudus's services.
However, the Hammers are expected to hold out for a fee closer to £100 million (R2.3 billion), especially considering a release clause of £85 million (R1.9 billion) that becomes active next summer.
With Kevin De Bruyne's contract nearing its end next summer, Kudus is seen as a potential long-term successor to the Belgian maestro.
Additionally, his ability to operate on the left wing could provide competition for Jack Grealish, who has struggled for form recently.
It has also been suggested that the Sky Blues have prioritised the signing of a defensive midfielder who could come in to replace Rodri.
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The Spanish midfielder was ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee in September.