Manchester City are weighing up a move that could redefine their transfer ambitions, with the Sky Blues reportedly prepared to spend more than £158 million to land one of Europe’s rising attacking talents.
The club, still adjusting after a frustrating return from the international break, have accelerated their search for new attacking spark as Pep Guardiola seeks to refresh a squad competing on multiple fronts.
City’s season resumed with hopes of extending their momentum in the title race, but a setback at St James’ Park — a result few inside the Etihad would have expected — has sharpened internal discussions about adding more firepower.
Arsenal and Chelsea both remain firmly in the hunt for top-spot, and with margins increasingly slim, City are keen to strengthen rather than simply rely on their depth.
The latest reports emerging from Spain suggest the club are preparing what would be the biggest financial outlay in their history. Manchester City targeting Desire Doue as the next star to energise Guardiola’s frontline.
The 19-year-old has drawn admiration across the Europe for his ability to glide past defenders, knit passages of play together, and operate comfortably across the attacking third.
What strengthens City’s confidence over the deal is the player’s admiration for Guardiola’s methods.
Doue is said to be attracted by the prospect of working with a coach renowned for polishing young talent into elite performers.
As reported, the midfielder is “keen to work with Guardiola due to his ability when developing talent”, a stance that has encouraged City to accelerate conversations with the player’s representatives.
Talks between the club and Doue’s camp have already been initiated, with City eager to understand the conditions required to complete what would be a landmark signing.
Manchester City targeting Desire Doue and early indications hint at a willingness within the player’s circle to at least listen, though the situation is far from straightforward.
Doue’s current contract — which runs until 2029 — gives his employers a strong hand in negotiations and ensures that any move would demand both substantial finances and persuasive effort.
Guardiola’s long-term vision and a deal that could reshape City’s attack
With the Premier League season still in its early chapters, Guardiola remains fully aware that his team will require fresh energy as the campaign stretches deeper into winter and Europe’s elite competition intensifies.
Doubling down on creativity from wide positions has become a priority for the Spaniard, especially with City navigating a period where several key players have dealt with injuries or form fluctuations.
Doue fits the profile City have increasingly targeted in recent years — technically sharp, adaptable across multiple positions, and possessing the pace to unlock tightly-defended matches.
His output this season has been eye-catching: three goals and three assists from eight appearances in all competitions.
While these numbers only offer a glimpse of his abilities, scouts view him as a player who thrives under responsibility and rises to competitive challenges.
Therefore, Manchester City targeting Desire Doue as they see him not only as a long-term project but also as someone capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League’s fast-paced environment.
The willingness “to submit a record offer for Desire Doue worth over £158 million” highlights just how convinced the club are of his potential.
If completed, the deal would surpass the fee City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021 — an acquisition that reshaped expectations of English football transfer spending.
Still, achieving a breakthrough will depend heavily on overcoming the firm stance of his current manager, Luis Enrique, who has made it clear he values the player highly.
While the club is said to be in an “encouraging position,” it remains uncertain whether they can push through negotiations with a club that remains financially strong and under no obligation to sell.
The pursuit also reflects a broader truth about Guardiola’s tenure: City are continually planning for the next evolution rather than reacting only to short-term needs.
