City are interested in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as Enzo Maresca’s overhaul of his attacking options gathers pace ahead of the transfer deadline.
Sky Sports reports that City are looking at the Netherlands international, although there have been no talks with Liverpool over a deal.
That is an important distinction. Gakpo is under contract at Anfield until 2030, and Liverpool do not currently want to sell him.
Their position could yet be tested if they bring in further attacking reinforcements before the window closes, but City are some distance from a deal at this stage.
City attack could look very different
The interest in Gakpo comes during a busy few days at the Etihad.
Savinho is set to join Tottenham, who are also pursuing Omar Marmoush, while City have agreed a deal with Palmeiras for Brazilian winger Allan.
Losing both Savinho and Marmoush would leave Maresca needing further options despite Allan’s arrival.
That explains the interest in Gakpo.
The 27-year-old can play from the left or through the middle and would require little introduction to the Premier League after more than three years at Liverpool.
For City, however, the difficult part would be persuading a direct rival to sell.
Liverpool are under no pressure contractually and would be able to set the terms of any negotiation. Until their stance changes, City’s interest should be treated as exactly that rather than evidence that a transfer is close.
But with Savinho heading out and Marmoush potentially following him, the make-up of Maresca’s attack is changing quickly. Gakpo is now firmly among the names City are considering.
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