Manchester City is reportedly preparing to launch a significant move to acquire a world-renowned midfield maestro to bolster their squad. The Citizens have felt the absence of their key player, Rodri, in the central midfield during three domestic fixtures, all of which ended in defeats following Rodri’s red card against Nottingham Forest FC. This has accentuated the need for midfield reinforcements.

Interestingly, the omission of Kalvin Phillips from the starting lineup, in favor of teenager Rico Lewis against Arsenal, raises questions about manager Pep Guardiola’s level of trust in the English midfielder during high-stake matches. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Having pursued Declan Rice in the summer, it’s clear that Guardiola seeks another defensive midfield option to partner with Rodri. Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has linked Bayern Munich’s star, Joshua Kimmich, to Manchester City. Kimmich’s potential acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to elevate City’s midfield game to an elite level.

Bailey commented, “I am told that whether Kimmich is willing to move away from Bayern, that is the main question that is concerning City and others who are interested. If he does show that willingness – then expect a major push.”

Joshua Kimmich, who initially played as a right-back before transitioning into a midfielder, has displayed versatility similar to his predecessor at Bayern, Philipp Lahm. The prospect of working under Guardiola at City is not only appealing for his midfield development but also as a full-back, a position that requires a multifaceted skill set, which Kimmich possesses.

However, the 28-year-old German is unlikely to come cheap. As a linchpin of Bayern Munich’s squad, City might have to surpass Bayern’s current record sale fee of €45 million, which PSG paid for Lucas Hernandez. Kimmich is currently valued at €75 million according to Transfermarkt.

This potential transfer has the potential to redefine Manchester City’s midfield and add a new dimension to their already star-studded squad. As the transfer talks progress, it remains to be seen whether Kimmich’s willingness to make the move aligns with Manchester City’s ambitions. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.