Rodri will play in a World Cup final. The City midfielder's involvement in the showpiece match adds another major occasion to an already decorated career.

Midfield Prospect Fast-Tracked

City moved to fast-track a midfield prospect on Thursday. The club's push to accelerate the youngster's development suggests plans are already in motion for the coming season.

Winger Search Widens

Two fresh names emerged in the winger search. The club's recruitment team continues to explore options as they look to strengthen wide areas ahead of the new campaign.

Thursday also brought the fallout from England's exit in Atlanta, where three City players saw their World Cup campaigns end in disappointment.

The list of available centre-forwards this summer is a curious one. Fewer names than the wingers ranking, and a noticeably lower standard overall. When Taty Castellanos and Christian Kofane are among the honourable mentions, you know the pool is shallow.

Still, there are some interesting options out there. Here's a rundown of the ten best strikers reportedly on the market.

Dusan Vlahovic

Vlahovic's time at Juventus didn't go to plan. A major disappointment, really. But he's available on a free transfer, which makes him worth a look. Where he ends up is anyone's guess — Manchester United, Newcastle or Leeds have been mentioned, though Saudi Arabia feels the most likely destination for the Serbian.

Nicolas Jackson

Back at Chelsea after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, Jackson has avoided the club's latest bomb squad — for now. Some fans turn their noses up at him, but he's not that bad. Crystal Palace or PSG could be his next stop. Wherever he goes, he'll do a job.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta fell out with Palace fans after pushing for a January move that was blocked by a knee injury. He won them back by doing what strikers do: scoring goals. None bigger than the winner in the Europa Conference League final. If he leaves this summer, he goes with their blessing. If he stays, even better. But it feels like he fancies a fresh challenge.

Omar Marmoush

Marmoush hasn't played much under City's new manager — fewer than 700 Premier League minutes last season. A fresh start after Guardiola's departure might appeal. Barcelona and Aston Villa have been linked. He'd be a smart signing for the Europa League winners, offering something different as they look to push on.

Endrick

The teenager impressed on loan at Lyon in the second half of last season after struggling for game time under Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Whether that helps him break into Madrid's first team or prompts a sale remains to be seen. Either way, he's destined for greatness. Madrid will sell for the right price.

Marcus Thuram

Serie A doesn't get the attention it once did, and Thuram is a player many only see during international tournaments. He scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 44 games for Inter last season. With two years left on his contract, this summer might be the time to cash in. Arsenal have been linked in the past. His €50m Transfermarkt valuation feels fair.

Serhou Guirassy

At 30, Guirassy's age might put off some elite clubs. If they can look past it, they'll find a certified goal-scorer. Since joining Stuttgart in 2022, he's scored for fun, earning a move to Dortmund two years later. Only Dortmund believed enough to trigger his £15m release clause. He's since scored 60 goals in 96 games for them.

Eli Junior Kroupi

A genuine wonderkid. Kroupi broke the record for most goals by a teenager in their debut Premier League season, netting a crucial goal against City to help Arsenal win the title for the first time in 22 years. He's someone Arsenal should be targeting — a young French striker in the mould of Thierry Henry. With Gabriel Jesus set to leave and Viktor Gyokeres yet to set the world alight, a new striker wouldn't go amiss. Kroupi offers immediate impact and the potential to become a world-beater. Bournemouth will do well to keep him, though another year at the Vitality might be best for his development.

Victor Osimhen

Every summer, the same question: Why is nobody taking a punt on Osimhen?

Leeds United are still in the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the Premier League side reportedly able to meet City's £40 million asking price. But the England international's wage demands and a crowded field of suitors continue to complicate the pursuit, according to a new report.

Trafford has been one of the most talked-about goalkeepers on the market this summer. City's openness to letting him leave has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs looking to take advantage of a situation that has become clearer as the window has progressed.

The 22-year-old's future at the Etihad was thrown into doubt after Enzo Maresca took over as manager. The new head coach is yet to confirm Trafford as part of his first-team plans, and the goalkeeper is understood to be open to a move that would guarantee him regular football — something his development demands.

Leeds have been linked with Trafford since at least February. Their interest has resurfaced at a time when the club are in the middle of an ambitious summer rebuild under the 49ers Enterprises ownership, having already spent significant money on Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo.

The need for a new goalkeeper at Elland Road became pressing after Karl Darlow joined Manchester United and Illan Meslier moved to Arsenal. That leaves Leeds with only two senior options between the posts ahead of a Premier League season in which they'll look to improve on last season's 14th-place finish.

According to TEAMtalk's James Marshment, Leeds remain keen on Trafford and have been boosted by confirmation that City are indeed open to selling. Director of football Hugo Viana and Maresca have privately communicated that to interested parties throughout the window.

The report says Leeds could match the £40m asking price, but Trafford's wages are a significant obstacle. His salary expectations have already complicated discussions with at least one interested party this summer.

Competition is another issue. Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham are all understood to retain interest, though the report carries an encouraging note for Leeds: Newcastle have made no real progress toward securing his signature, potentially opening the door for the Yorkshire club to accelerate their own pursuit.

Whether TEAMtalk's reported £40m valuation matches what City will ultimately accept — or whether a fee negotiation is still to be had once a preferred buyer emerges — remains an open question. But the clarity of City's willingness to sell gives all interested parties a firm foundation from which to start formal discussions.

The breadth of interest in Trafford across the Premier League reflects the reputation he has built over the past two seasons. His performances at the Etihad and on loan have established him as one of the most coveted young keepers in English football, despite limited opportunities at the very highest level.

For Maresca and Viana, sanctioning a £40m sale would inject meaningful funds into a summer rebuild that has already committed a British record £116m to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The proceeds from Trafford's potential departure would likely be reinvested across other areas of the squad still to be addressed before the window closes.

The outcome of Trafford's conversation with Maresca — understood to be pending as the manager works through his assessment of each squad member — is likely to be the moment that determines whether Leeds, Newcastle or another club gets the clearest run at a deal. The goalkeeper's own preference carries considerable weight in a situation where multiple clubs are positioned and willing to act.

Whether Leeds can navigate the wage gap and competition from clubs with greater financial firepower to secure Trafford's signature remains far from certain. But their long-standing interest and the reported absence of progress from Newcastle gives them a realistic foothold in a race that is now building toward a conclusion.

Tottenham have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign winger Savinho in a deal worth around £60m, according to City Source.

[poll:3a936a7e-35ad-4ca8-9ac2-7648899b76cf]

The fee includes approximately £10m in add-ons, with the Brazil international having already agreed a five-year contract with Spurs.

Discussions are ongoing over the option of a further 12 months.

Manchester City are ready to formalise their interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a bid expected in the coming days.

Journalist Nicolo Schira reported via his X account that the Moroccan international has indicated a desire to join Enzo Maresca's side. The Gazzetta Dello Sport correspondent stated an “official bid” is set to be submitted.

The move comes as City look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly prepared to sell teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye this summer, with Manchester City among the clubs linked to the 17-year-old.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 champions are “open” to offloading the youngster, who has been tipped as a potential replacement for Savinho at the Etihad.

Mbaye, still only 17, has been on City’s radar as the club looks to add young attacking depth to Enzo Maresca’s squad. The Blues are understood to be keen on bringing in the teenager, though no formal bid has been confirmed at this stage.

PSG’s willingness to sell suggests a deal could be possible, but as with any summer window, timing and fee will dictate how things develop.

Brighton and FC Köln have opened talks with Reigan Heskey's representatives after the Manchester City academy forward's contract expired this summer, according to reports.

The 18-year-old has been at City since the age of eight, having spent his early years in Australia while his father Emile played for Newcastle Jets. Heskey's path through the club's youth ranks has been notable — he appeared for the U19s at 15, scoring in a 3-0 UEFA Youth League win over Young Boys in November 2023 alongside his brother Jaden.

By the 2024-25 season, he had joined the Elite Development Squad. At 16, he scored a 22-minute hat-trick on his Premier League 2 debut.

His England youth caps at U17 and U18 level have also drawn attention. Heskey played at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup and made his U18 debut against France last October.

It is understood that negotiations over a new City contract remain ongoing, though first-team opportunities at the Etihad would mean competing with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki. A move elsewhere might offer more immediate senior football.

The interest from Brighton and Köln could stem from a 'shop window' game on Tuesday, in which around 25 players took part. Several European and Championship clubs were watching.

Heskey's situation comes as Enzo Maresca reshapes his squad after succeeding Pep Guardiola. John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake have all left following contract expirations, with more departures expected.

The scheme, confirmed for the 2026-27 season, makes up to 500 tickets available at a tenner for every home game. Residents in the five postcode areas closest to the Etihad can apply via a ballot on a game-by-game basis, with the allocation varying each match. It begins as a trial but is expected to continue if take-up is strong.

Wyness, speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, described the move as “a very good move for City” but one that is “unique to City”.

“A lot of clubs don't have the spare capacity that City have right now, and they're dressing up some of that spare capacity as a local initiative, which I think is very clever.”

The former Goodison Park chief executive, who ran a football consultancy after his stint at Everton, pointed out that City's rivals at the top of English football simply don't have the available seats to run a similar scheme. Many clubs maintain waiting lists for season tickets and rely on every penny through the turnstiles.

“City have got a different financial profile to a lot of other clubs who do need that extra revenue,” Wyness added. “So it's a uniquely City initiative. Look, it's great. I think it's well done by them and they should get kudos for it. But it's not something that can be replicated very easily in many other clubs.”

Whether you see it as community outreach or a pragmatic solution to a problem most top clubs don't have, the scheme offers locals a cheap route into the ground. The ballot process will determine how many actually get through the door, but the intent is clear enough.

Swansea City are keeping the pressure on for Stephen Mfuni, the Manchester City teenager they tried and failed to sign on loan last summer. The Championship side have not given up hope of landing the 18-year-old, according to reports, even if they face competition from elsewhere.

Mfuni, a left-sided defender comfortable at centre-back or full-back, is considered one of the more promising prospects in City's academy. His versatility makes him an attractive option for second-tier clubs looking to bolster their defensive options.

This is not a new pursuit. Swansea were denied the chance to sign Mfuni last year, with City blocking the move over concerns about how much football he would actually get. That caution looked justified when Ishé Samuels-Smith, sent to Swansea from Chelsea in Mfuni's place, saw limited minutes at the Liberty Stadium.

Ipswich Town also had an approach knocked back at the same time, suggesting City applied a blanket policy rather than singling out Swansea.

Mfuni ended up at Watford instead, where he impressed before a serious injury at Stoke City in March brought things to a halt. He required corrective surgery and has not returned to full training since.

According to the Swansea Independent, the Welsh club remain keen and face strong competition, with Derby County described as particularly interested once Mfuni is medically cleared. The expectation is that a Championship side will secure his services within the coming weeks, though that depends entirely on his recovery from surgery.

Swansea's urgency has been sharpened by an injury of their own — midfielder Gonçalo Franco is understood to have suffered a significant lower leg problem, accelerating the club's need for defensive and midfield cover before the season starts.

Mfuni faced Swansea in January, making his senior debut in a 2-0 defeat for Watford at Vicarage Road. It was a moment that highlighted how quickly he was progressing — and how cruel the injury at Stoke proved to be.

City's decision to block the move last summer reflected a careful approach to managing young players, prioritising environments that guarantee regular involvement rather than simply sending players wherever demand is highest. That philosophy will be tested again as Hugo Viana and his recruitment staff weigh up the right destination for Mfuni, with the teenager's injury history adding caution to the decision-making.

Derby's interest is worth noting. Under Jon Eustace, the Rams have assembled a coaching staff with strong development credentials, including former City academy coach Ben Wilkinson, who joined Pride Park earlier this summer. That gives Derby a compelling argument when talking to City about loan options.

Whether Swansea's persistence pays off, or Derby or another club wins the race once Mfuni gets the all-clear, the 18-year-old's situation is shaping up to be one of the more quietly interesting loan stories of City's summer.

Manchester City's search for a wide attacker has led them to RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, but the German club's valuation is proving a significant obstacle. The 19-year-old Ivorian has emerged as one of the most sought-after teenagers in European football following a breakout Bundesliga season.

According to SportBILD, Leipzig have set an asking price in excess of £101 million for the winger. That figure sits well above the £84 million ceiling that interested clubs — including City — are reportedly willing to pay.

The gap has prompted a shift in Leipzig's strategy. Rather than engage with offers below their valuation, the club are now focused on tying Diomande to a new contract with improved terms.

Liverpool have gone furthest among the suitors, having already submitted a bid that Leipzig rejected. Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea are also among the clubs monitoring the situation alongside City.

Mixed signals

The picture is complicated further by Diomande himself. The teenager is reported to have given assurances to Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United that he intends to join each of them — leaving all three clubs under the impression they lead the race. He has also indicated a willingness to stay at Leipzig for another season if no move materialises.

Europe's top clubs have been contacting Leipzig, the Red Bull group and Diomande's agents almost daily in recent weeks, reflecting the intensity of interest in a player who has captured the imagination of the continent's biggest recruitment operations.

Director of football Hugo Viana and manager Enzo Maresca have identified the wide position as a priority for reinforcement this summer. Diomande's profile as a direct, chance-creating winger maps closely to what the club are seeking.

Viana has shown a willingness to pay record fees where the circumstances warrant it, but the £84 million ceiling reported for all suitors suggests City do not currently regard Diomande as a target worth exceeding that threshold — at least at this stage of the window.

The Diomande pursuit sits alongside other options City are weighing up, with Sporting Lisbon's Francisco Trincão representing another live avenue the club have been exploring.

Whether Leipzig soften their stance or Diomande pushes harder for a move will determine how the situation develops. For now, City's interest remains one element of a broader search to complete Maresca's first squad at the Etihad.

Ayyoub Bouaddi looks set to start next season with City's first-team squad rather than heading back to Lille on loan, according to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey.

The club have told the 18-year-old they're prepared to bring him straight into Enzo Maresca's plans. It represents a shift from their earlier openness to a loan-back arrangement.

The change follows further discussions between sporting director Hugo Viana and Maresca over the teenager's immediate role at the club.

Rico Lewis has spoken publicly for the first time this summer about his Manchester City future, insisting he has full faith in a plan the club has put in place for him.

The 21-year-old has been at the centre of mounting speculation throughout the transfer window, with reports suggesting he could push for a move if new manager Enzo Maresca could not guarantee regular first-team football heading into 2026-27.

Lewis made just 11 Premier League appearances last term in what was an injury-disrupted final season under Pep Guardiola. That limited involvement, combined with the wider squad rebuild Maresca and director of football Hugo Viana are overseeing, created uncertainty around his future. Nottingham Forest and Everton were among the clubs reportedly interested.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Lewis addressed the situation directly.

“Who knows what the future holds. Last season could be called a disappointing season but I think it's exactly what I needed. There's a plan in place for me that I just have to believe in. I've got full faith it will come to fruition.”

It is a striking reframing of a frustrating period. Rather than dwelling on the setbacks, the defender has chosen to view last season as something of personal value.

Lewis also spoke with palpable enthusiasm about returning to the training environment and the prospect of competitive action after a testing period.

“I'm excited to be back and playing football again. I've been training for a while and excited to be playing football and training hard, working hard, playing as many games as I can do this season.”

The language is deliberate. A plan in place. Full faith. Excited to be back. It reads as a considered public statement from a player aware of the speculation, choosing to address it on his own terms rather than let the narrative be shaped entirely by external reporting.

Maresca's assessment of Lewis is understood to be among the personnel decisions the new manager is working through as pre-season approaches. The defender's versatility across the back line and in midfield gives him a profile that could offer value within the system the Italian intends to implement.

What the plan Lewis references actually entails remains unclear. A full pre-season with Maresca's squad? A loan move? A role within the senior group? The defender's evident trust in those around him suggests he has been party to conversations that have left him settled rather than anxious.

For a player who has come through City's academy at every level, the tone of his comments suggests a relationship with the club strong enough to weather even the most difficult period of his career so far.

Gusto move edges closer

There was movement on another front too, with Malo Gusto’s move edging closer. The full-back appears to be on his way to the Etihad, though details remain under wraps for now.

Anderson’s price tag becomes clearer

City also got a clearer picture of why they paid what they did for Elliot Anderson. The midfielder’s performance in midweek offered some insight into the thinking behind that particular outlay.

Rayan Cherki’s summer, on the other hand, looks to be over. The Lyon attacker had been linked with a move away, but that particular window now appears shut.