Aston Villa set to land "impressive" wonderkid midfielder as Manchester City and Arsenal lose transfer battle

Man City have an impressive track record when it comes to signing youngsters with a lot of potential, and seeing as they are due for a slight squad rebuild with some of their ageing stars leaving, this summer should be no different.

Kevin De Bruyne is due to leave the club at the end of the season, after it was announced that the club had not offered the midfielder a new contract. They will now need to find a long-term replacement for the Belgian.

They have been linked to an 18-year-old wonderkid midfielder who could become their future De Bruyne, however, competition from Premier League rivals looks like it could be City’s downfall in any deal.

Villa close to signing Sverre Nypan

Man City and Manchester United have been linked to Norwegian youngster Sverre Nypan in the past, a player who has been compared to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who plays in the same attacking midfield position.

However, Arsenal and Aston Villa have also been connected to signing the 18-year-old, and it now looks as though City will lose out, as Unai Emery’s Villa are seemingly the frontrunners to land the Rosenborg midfielder.

That is according to the Times, who report Villa are set to win the race ahead of Man City and Arsenal to the signing of Nypan. They have all but agreed to bring the Norwegian to Villa Park in the summer transfer window. No fee has yet been reported but it is due to be on the higher side for an 18-year-old due to his sky-high potential.

Nypan has received a lot of praise from his coaching staff at Rosenborg. His manager, Alfred Johansson, told TV2: “He focuses on enjoying and practising football every day. That’s very impressive, and not everyone would manage it.”

The midfielder has made three appearances so far this season at Rosenborg as the season has not long begun, but the 18-year-old has already scored one goal for the Norwegian side.

Who could Man City replace De Bruyne with?

As Nypan now looks set to move to Aston Villa, City will have to look elsewhere to bring in a central midfielder who can help to fill the void that De Bruyne will leave in the summer transfer window.

They have recently been linked to Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, who has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season. It was reported this week that Tonali is open to leaving Newcastle, should the right offer come in for him.

Man City are reportedly keeping an eye on his situation at St James’ Park, and could decide to make an offer for him this summer if they decide that he is their preferred candidate. Tonali has made 40 appearances for the Magpies this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists for Eddie Howe’s side.

In other news, Pep Guardiola names 'unique' and 'unstoppable' Man City star who 'changed the game' in Aston Villa win.