“Man City Set Sights on Premier League Star to Replace Rodri in Ambitious January Transfer”

“Man City Target Premier League Sensation as Rodri’s Successor in Bold January Move”

Pep Guardiola holds great admiration for the player.

Manchester City have identified a Premier League standout as a top midfield target, with their January transfer plans now taking shape.

The club is gearing up for a busy winter window following the season-ending knee injury to Rodri, leaving Pep Guardiola eager to strengthen his midfield options.

A host of names have already been linked to the Etihad, as City look to bolster their squad ahead of a crucial second half of the campaign.

According to The Daily Mail, Bruno Guimarães has emerged as a key target on Manchester City’s transfer wish list, with reports suggesting Guardiola has “insisted on his inclusion.”

Guimarães, 27, has been a standout performer for Newcastle United since his £40 million move from Lyon in January 2022.

The Brazilian international has significantly boosted his reputation in the Premier League, catching the eye of Pep Guardiola.

Reports suggest that Manchester City could challenge Newcastle’s resolve for Guimarães as they aim to sign “at least one” midfielder in January. Guardiola is said to “love” Guimarães, and City were reportedly ready to pursue him last summer.

However, Manchester City were deterred by the £100 million release clause, which expired at the end of June.

With over three years remaining on his current contract, Guimarães’ value remains high, and Newcastle would be in a strong position to demand a substantial fee if they choose to sell their star midfielder.

Without Rodri, Manchester City have faced difficulties across all competitions.

Manchester City endured a seven-game winless streak before finally securing a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Ahead of their 2-0 loss to Liverpool, Guardiola rejected the idea of blaming the team’s poor form on Rodri’s absence.

“It’s not an excuse that Rodri is not there. What are we going to do, cry all the time that Rodri is not there? I have to find a solution, and I’m trying every day,” he stated.

“It’s not pleasant, of course it’s not, but what do you expect? That everything will be smooth sailing? That everything is easy? Now I have to prove myself. We can’t forget that, just three months ago, we were Premier League champions,” Guardiola said.

“We reached the FA Cup final and the quarter-finals of the Champions League. It’s not about playing well or playing poorly; it’s about winning games. We won the Treble and four titles in a row,” Guardiola added.