Manchester City have begun the daunting task of identifying a successor to departing captain Kevin De Bruyne.
According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz are options to replace the iconic Belgian.
De Bruyne announced he will leave the Etihad Stadium last Friday after a decade of stellar service.
The Premier League champions are expected to explore internal and external solutions to fill the void left by the 33-year-old.
While Phil Foden could take over some of De Bruyne’s creative responsibilities, the club are actively scouting potential signings.
Gibbs-White is enjoying an excellent season with Forest, registering five goals and nine assists in 27 league appearances amid their Champions League push.
He has caught the eye, leading Forest to third in the league. The 25-year-old England international is contracted until 2027.
Wirtz has become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents following a sensational campaign with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
The 21-year-old was instrumental in their historic undefeated league triumph and DFB-Pokal win. He has recorded 56 goals and 63 assists in 191 appearances.
However, Leverkusen value Wirtz at €150 million, and he is attracting interest from Bayern Munich. His contract also runs until 2027.
City should swoop for Gibbs-White ahead of Wirtz
Man City should choose Gibbs-White as their De Bruyne replacement ahead of Wirtz, who has a sketchy injury record.
The German international is currently sidelined with an injury. He has suffered many issues over the past few years, and any suitors should be wary of signing him.
Gibbs-White is equally creative and barely misses games through injuries. He should be higher on the wishlist.
Man City could look at other options, including Villarreal star Alex Baena.
