Man City plotting move for 'dream' Pep Guardiola signing as club hand him massive January transfer war chest

Man City are plotting a shock ‘move’ for one of Europe’s most promising youngsters as the club look to save their season in January.

Pep Guardiola’s side are in a torrid run of form, having failed to register a win in seven games, with six of the matches ending in defeat.

As a result, the Premier League champions sit fifth in the English topflight and 17^th in the 36-team Champions League group phase – meaning they will only secure an ‘unseeded’ play-off place as things stand.

Guardiola’s team trail league leaders Liverpool by 11 points, but given the fact there is still 25 league games to play, their season could still be recoverable.

However, to improve their fortunes, City may look to recruit in January, with the midfield being a particular area of concern as key man Rodri is set to be out for several months, having ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Arsenal in September.

According to the Express, Guardiola is reported set to be handed a £200m war chest for the winter transfer window.

City have the second-oldest squad in the division, and the Spanish manager even mentioned how he wants to ‘rebuild’ the side following City’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

"I don't want to run,” said Guardiola.

Man City may look to freshen their squad (Credit:Getty)

“I want to be there and rebuild the team in many aspects from now on until the end of the season and next season."

Several midfielders have been linked with a city switch, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Atalanta’s Ederson, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have all been “pinpointed as potential signings”, according to the Mail.

But it is not just a ‘number six’ that City could sign this January.

Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, and with the player approaching his 34^th birthday, it could be time to bring in a new face to at least challenge him if he chooses to stay at the club.

The Mail’s report suggests that Bayer Leverkusen and Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz would be a “dream signing” for Guardiola.

But he won’t come cheap.

Wirtz was arguably Leverkusen’s star man during their double-winning season in 2023/24.

The youngster was part of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side at Euro 2024 and has continued his form this term – registering 14 goal involvements in 20 appearances.

The player’s current contract at the Bundesliga champions is set to run until June 2027, with Leverkusen having an asking price of €150million (£125m), according to The Athletic.