‘Now favourites’: Fabrizio Romano makes Man City transfer claim as they aim to sign Everton ‘wonderkid’

The latest transfer news regarding incomings and outgoings at Manchester City this summer.
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Manchester City have been busy in the summer transfer window so far this summer with Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega joining the club.

The Sky Blues won back-to-back Premier League titles last term and will be looking to become only the second team to win the competition for three consecutive campaigns next season - something only their cross-town rivals Manchester United have achieved.

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Despite the clear focus on bolstering their first team, it seems Pep Guardiola also has an eye on the future of the club, with City dubbed ‘favourites’ to sign Emilio Lawrence.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Sky Blues are interested in signing the 16-year-old this summer after he didn’t sign a deal with Everton.

Lawrence, who scored six goals and registered three assists for the Toffees’ under-18s last campaign, also featured four times for their U-23 team.

The midfielder has also represented Scotland at U-16 level and would be available to City for a compensation fee.

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Romano added that the Sky Blues faced competition from the ‘big six’ and an announcement for the signing of Lawrence could happen ‘soon’.

Meanwhile, Romano also claims that Guardiola wants to sign a new centre-back this summer if Nathan Ake leaves the Etihad Stadium.

The Croatian centre-back has attracted a lot of attention already in his short career, and looks set to continue his upwards trajectory at Stamford Bridge after signing from RB Leipzig. 

(Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)The Croatian centre-back has attracted a lot of attention already in his short career, and looks set to continue his upwards trajectory at Stamford Bridge after signing from RB Leipzig. 

(Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The Croatian centre-back has attracted a lot of attention already in his short career, and looks set to continue his upwards trajectory at Stamford Bridge after signing from RB Leipzig. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Ake, who featured 27 times for City in all competitions last season, is believed to be a target for Chelsea, as per numerous reports.

If the Dutchman does depart the club this summer, Romano states that Guardiola would target Josko Gvardiol as Ake’s replacement, but would struggle to secure his services as Leipzig don’t want to sell him.

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Romano tweeted: “Manchester City have not changed their plans: they will sign a new centre back this summer in case Nathan Aké joins Chelsea (at least £40m).

“Josko Gvardiol, highly rated but Leipzig want to keep him.”

The Italian journalist also provided an update on another of the Sky Blues’ rumoured targets, Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella.

“Marc Cucurella, still considered a top target - waiting for the bid,” Romano added.