BREAKING NEWS:‼️ Manchester City has made a £70 million offer for a Barcelona star known for his maturity and confidence on the ball. He has impressed all of Europe with his skills, but he is not Yamal, Musiala, or Pedri.

Pep Guardiola is on the hunt for a reliable alternative to Rodri, who has suffered a significant injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. This loss has been a setback for Manchester City, as Rodri plays a crucial role in the team, leaving fans and the club’s management in search of a capable replacement.

To address this gap, Guardiola has identified a few promising midfielders to bolster Manchester City’s lineup, with Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich among the initial options. However, recent weeks have seen Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong rise to the top of Guardiola’s shortlist.

According to a report by the Spanish outlet El Nacional, De Jong, since his arrival at Barcelona in 2019, has developed into a core member of the team. His adept playmaking skills and tactical awareness have made him one of the most effective midfielders in Europe.

What makes De Jong particularly appealing to Guardiola is his natural fit with Manchester City’s possession-oriented style. Guardiola, a strong advocate for technical and visionary players, has long admired De Jong’s qualities, which closely align with the approach he cultivated during his time at Barcelona.

Barcelona’s current financial challenges could also facilitate this potential move. Club president Joan Laporta may consider selling De Jong in the January transfer window if an appropriate offer comes in.

De Jong’s high salary, one of the largest on the Barcelona roster, is another factor that might incentivize the club to part ways with the Dutch midfielder to create budget space for new signings.

Manchester City’s pressing need to replace Rodri could expedite discussions, making a De Jong transfer seem more achievable than in past transfer windows. De Jong has been previously linked with City, but given the club’s present circumstances, this potential move now appears more plausible.

Though the winter transfer window is still a few months away, it is clear that Frenkie de Jong has caught Guardiola’s attention. Should negotiations progress smoothly and both parties come to an agreement, De Jong could be wearing the Manchester City shirt as early as January.