Manchester City plot shock transfer swoop for Celtic striker Kyogo ...

The Daily Mail reports that Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi is a surprise target for Manchester City.

The sale of Julian Alvarez has left them lacking numbers in attack, and the 29-year-old has been identified as a potential addition.

The paper explains: “Kyogo Furuhashi could be set for a stunning move to Manchester City with the Celtic forward high on a shortlist of names to replace Julian Alvarez.

“The English champions are considering their options after their World Cup-winning Argentinian striker [completed] his £82 million transfer to Atletico Madrid following Liam Delap’s switch to Ipswich Town.

“Now short on cover for Erling Haaland, manager Pep Guardiola is believed to have identified Kyogo as a possible option.

“While no formal bid has yet been lodged for the 29-year-old, City’s interest in the player is said to be genuine with a move possible in the coming days.

“While Brendan Rodgers is a big [admirer] of a player he recently described as ‘an elite striker’, the club would be unlikely to block any deal if City came to the table with more than £20m.”

Fulham have made a bid for Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, though they may face competition for the Frenchman.

The Athletic reports the Premier League side have made an offer of at least £12m.

The website states: “Fulham have submitted an offer for Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.

“The proposal for the France Under-21 international is worth an initial £12m, with further add-ons.

“Crystal Palace also retain an interest but are yet to submit an offer.

“Cherki has entered the final year of his contract at Lyon, and has been training separately from his team-mates in anticipation of a transfer before next week’s deadline.”

Arsenal are close to landing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to the Mirror.

The 28-year-old has a year left on his current deal and Arsenal are set to agree a £30m fee.

The paper explains: “Arsenal are closing in on a £30m deal for Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.

“Merino, 28, has been training away from his Real Sociedad team-mates with negotiations at an advanced stage between the clubs. Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is reported in the Spanish media to have flown to London to thrash out a deal.‌

“The deal has been a long drawn out affair but now is edging closer to being finalised. Arsenal already have Thomas Partey and Declan Rice as midfield regulars while Jorginho has been back-up. Partey only has one year left on his contract.”

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has been frozen out of Chelsea’s first-team plans.

The Evening Standard report that the player is now on the hunt for a new club before the end of the transfer window.

The paper claims: “Raheem Sterling accepts his time at Chelsea is over as he waits for offers to revitalise his career ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

“Sterling does not expect to be involved for the Blues going forward following a conversation with new head coach Enzo Maresca after training on Friday, in which he was told the club is prioritising other players in his position and he could move on.

“Sterling is open to listening to proposals from other clubs before next Friday’s transfer deadline but will not be forced into an unfavourable transfer, with his young family settled in west London since a £50 million move from City in 2022.

“The 29-year-old, who has three years remaining on his £300,000-a-week contract, has already rebuffed interest from the Saudi Pro League and it is hard to see an obvious destination for him elsewhere in the Premier League.”

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