Manchester City will be hoping to add several difference-makers in a variety of positions to their squad in the summer as they prepare to rebuild their roster.
With Pep Guardiola having extended his contract until 2027 in November, it has become especially imperative for the club to reward his commitment by signing players of the highest order to help him turn them into serial winners again.
Manchester City’s priority is replacing Kevin De Bruyne in the summer as he is set to depart the Etihad Stadium — a tall task that is perhaps even more challenging than when they moved on legends of yesteryear such as Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.
Florian Wirtz is Manchester City’s dream signing to become the long-term heir to the Belgian.
However, signing an up-and-coming superstar like Florian Wirtz, who is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will be easier said than done for City.
Bayer Leverkusen closing in on Ibrahim Maza is a boost for Man City in Florian Wirtz race
However, Manchester City have just been given a ray of hope in their pursuit to land Wirtz as Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal in principle to sign Ibrahim Maza.
Romano claimed that a deal could be worth €10 million (£8.5 million) as the Hertha Berlin starlet is set to sign for Leverkusen soon.
Considering Maza is also a number 10 like Wirtz, Manchester City have every reason to believe his addition means Bayer Leverkusen are preparing to sell Wirtz.
Wirtz likes the idea of joining Manchester City anyway and if Hugo Viana works his charm, Pep Guardiola could have the chance to work with one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
Manchester City’s plan to sign Wirtz is to offer them both James McAtee and Stefan Ortega in exchange — which highlights how convinced the decision-makers at the club are that he is the real deal.
Only time will tell whether Ibrahim Maza is viewed as a successor to the German international but the signs suggest that the Sky Blues could have a real shot at signing the Bundesliga winner — who could add to a roster that already boasts of attacking midfielders like Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb.
What Pep Guardiola has done behind the scenes to sign Florian Wirtz
Pep Guardiola has explained his plans to Wirtz about how he fits into his Manchester City side already.
The Catalan is massively keen to sign the 21-year-old.
Manchester City aim to pair Wirtz and Foden up together if they manage to sign the highly-rated technician in the summer.
Wirtz is valued at £125 million, however and if Manchester City consider him as a player who could take them to the next level, they should perhaps pay the big bucks and pounce upon the chance to acquire his services as Bayer Leverkusen look set to sign Maza.
