Manchester City are now said to be in pursuit of a midfielder who has been likened to Arsenal star Declan Rice.
Manchester City have strengthened their squad considerably this summer as they look to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
According to The Athletic, James Trafford’s arrival ‘represented the final bit of proactive business in terms of incomings’ for City.
Now, outgoings are expected to be the priority, ‘unless an opportunity arises in a position that improves the team and adds value.’
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton vs Leicester.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Carlos Baleba ‘not afraid to carry the ball forward himself’
It has now been reported that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is on the radar of Man City and bitter rivals Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim are believed to be huge admirers of Baleba, who previously named Kevin De Bruyne as his idol.
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Baleba has gone from strength to strength at Brighton, earning plaudits from pundits such as Adrian Clarke.
The former Arsenal man previously compared the City target to both Declan Rice and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch,
Clarke, as per his article on the Premier League website in February 2025, also praised Baleba’s speed.
“Baleba is often the first player to collect passes from the goalkeeper or centre-backs, and he will always look to play forward when he can,” Clarke wrote.
“When you analyse his progressive passes during 2024/25, you get a clear indication of how well he spreads the ball wide from central positions.
“Brighton’s wingers like to stay high and wide, so Baleba will pick them out on a regular basis.
“Unlike a lot of central midfielders, Baleba also has the pace – with a top speed of 34.5km/h – and power to surge past opponents with the ball.
“Just like Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool or Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Baleba is not afraid to carry the ball forward himself.”
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How much Man City would have to pay for Carlos Baleba
Although a big club like City will always be on the lookout for great opportunities in the market, Baleba would prove a big outlay for the club.
According to the ESPN article Manchester City News previously relayed, Brighton have slapped a price tag of around £104million on Baleba.
Considering City’s midfield is already pretty strong at present, Baleba is unlikely to be a priority for them this summer, as good as he is.
However, next summer could present an interesting opportunity for City and Baleba, who is said to be happy to stay at Brighton for at least another year.