Manchester City are understood to be closing in on their first signing of what promises to be a pivotal summer, with AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders emerging as the frontrunner to kick off the club’s transfer activity.
The Dutch international has reportedly cancelled a family holiday to Ibiza originally scheduled for early July, fuelling speculation that a move to the Etihad is imminent. The Italian media suggest sthe 26-year-old’s decision is linked to advanced talks with the Blues, as City look to accelerate negotiations ahead of their upcoming Club World Cup campaign in the United States.
It marks the beginning of what is expected to be a significant reshaping of Pep Guardiola’s squad. After a season that saw City finish third in the Premier League and end without a trophy for just the second time under the Catalan coach, there is an urgency behind the scenes at the Etihad to refresh the playing group.
Despite a £180m January outlay on four new additions, the arrival of new director of football Hugo Viana has added fresh impetus to City’s recruitment drive. The Blues will have access to a special FIFA-sanctioned transfer window from 1 to 10 June, designed to allow participants in the Club World Cup to register new signings ahead of the competition.
Reijnders, who netted 15 times across all competitions for Milan last season, is believed to be valued at around £55 million. With the Rossoneri finishing a disappointing eighth in Serie A and missing out on European football, City are pressing their advantage in the market.
City’s transfer plans don’t stop there. Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White remains a top target, with interest cooling in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who appears bound for Anfield. Meanwhile, Wolves full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri is also being monitored as part of a broader search for defensive reinforcements.
Guardiola’s side kick off their Club World Cup journey against Wydad AC of Morocco on 18 June, followed by clashes with Al Ain and Juventus. With preparations underway and negotiations heating up, it could be a busy few weeks at the Etihad.