Manchester City are now "leading" the chase for a "special striker", who is keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
Guardiola looking to trim squad ahead of new campaign
The new Premier League campaign is a matter of days away, with Man City set to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home this Saturday, and Pep Guardiola will travel to Molineux with a new-look squad.
City have not been afraid to splash the cash this summer, bringing in new options in attacking midfield and between the sticks, given that Kevin De Bruyne left upon the expiration of his contract, while Ederson is also expected to depart.
New signing Transfer fee Position
Tijjani Reijnders £46.5m CM
Rayan Ait-Nouri £36.3m LB
Rayan Cherki £34m AM
James Trafford £31m GK
Sverre Nypan £12.5m CM
Marcus Bettinelli Undisclosed GK
To make way for the new arrivals, there have also been plenty of departures, with Jack Grealish becoming the latest player to leave, joining Everton on a season-long loan deal.
Guardiola has also suggested he is looking to trim the squad even further, saying: "A lot of players should leave. New players, I don’t think so. We need a little bit less. I don’t like (lots) of players. One reason we sent Vitor Reis to Girona is for that."
However, there may be room for Man City to make one last statement signing, having recently entered talks over a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, which could amount to around £86m.
Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey has now revealed that Man City are "leading" the chase for the Madrid star, alongside Arsenal, with the reporter adding: "Both clubs really appeal to him – they are both Champions League contenders and look like a good fit."
Bailey also suggests the Spanish side are willing to part ways with the Brazilian, adding: "Rodrygo has been told the situation – Real love him but they are ready to move on, and the player is in full agreement with them, he also believes that the situation needs resolving."
Rodrygo could be "special" signing for City
It would be difficult for any centre-forward to compete for Erling Haaland's starting spot, but Carlo Ancelotti has waxed lyrical about the Brazil international in the past, saying: "He is a special striker, he can play in all positions. He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes."
rodrygo-real-madrid
However, the former Santos man has predominantly featured on the wing throughout his career to date, indicating that he could be brought in as a direct replacement for Grealish.
Given his exploits in a Madrid shirt, there is every indication the 24-year-old would be an upgrade on Grealish too, chipping in with 68 goals and 51 assists in 270 appearances for the Spanish club.
Guardiola seems hesitant to make more additions to his squad, but he should make room for Rodrygo, as the Brazilian could take his forward line to the next level.