Manchester City could make a move for Mikel Oyarzabal next summer, as Pep Guardiola remains keen to bolster his attacking options.
According to Eurosport, Mikel Oyarzabal has become a key target for Manchester City, as the Premier League champions could attempt to sign him next summer. The Real Sociedad attacker has a £67 million release clause attached to his contract, which Man City could negotiate.
Pep Guardiola has always been wary of adding players just for their reputation. However, the manager has worked well with club director Txiki Begiristain in identifying the personnel that fit his system. This has led to a stop on mass purchases, as the club only look to add a player or two every summer.
While Jack Grealish was signed from Aston Villa, Guardiola remained keen on signing Harry Kane without any success in the pursuit. As a side effect of the proposed deal for the Spurs striker, attacking midfielder, Bernardo Silva was looking to leave the club.
Arsenal were one of the clubs interested, although the Portuguese never fancied a move to north London. He stayed on for the season and has featured prominently so far this season, even scoring the winner against Leicester City over the weekend.
Next summer, though, Silva might leave the club when some favourable doors to other clubs open up. Man City consider the Portuguese’s position important and are likely to find a replacement.
Spain international Mikel Oyarzabal is one of the prime contenders to replace Silva next summer, as Txiki Begiristain likes the versatile attacking midfielder. Guardiola admires the Real Sociedad star as well and would approve of the move next summer.
Oyarzabal was a prominent starter under Luis Enrique during the Euros and has begun his season by scoring four goals in as many games in La Liga. A move away could be the right decision for his career path, especially to join a club coached by Guardiola.
He has a £67 million release clause attached to the contract that expires in 2024. Man City generally wouldn’t have a problem paying up but would still look to negotiate with Sociedad on an acceptable price. Other clubs are possibly interested in Oyarzabal, but when a club like Man City comes knocking, other options might become irrelevant.
