Manchester City are considering making a surprising move to sign Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi as a replacement for Julian Alvarez.

MAN City identify KYOGO as potential target

Manchester City have set their sights on Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi as they look to bolster their attacking options, according to reports from The Daily Mail. The departure of Julian Alvarez has left City short on numbers up front, and the 29-year-old Japanese forward has emerged as a potential replacement. While no formal bid has been made yet, City’s interest in Kyogo is said to be genuine, and a move could be on the cards in the coming days. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is a fan of the player but would unlikely stand in the way of a deal if City were to offer more than £20m.

Fulham bid for Cherki

Fulham have made a bid for Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, but they may face competition for the Frenchman’s signature. The Athletic reports that the Premier League side has submitted an offer of at least £12m for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder. Crystal Palace also hold an interest in Cherki but have yet to make an official bid. Cherki, who is in the final year of his contract at Lyon, has been training separately from his teammates in anticipation of a transfer before the upcoming deadline.

Arsenal set to sign Merino

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to the Mirror. The 28-year-old Spaniard has just one year left on his current deal, and Arsenal are set to agree on a £30m fee for his services. Negotiations between the clubs are at an advanced stage, with Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay reportedly flying to London to finalize the deal. Merino’s arrival would provide additional depth to Arsenal’s midfield, which already features regulars Thomas Partey and Declan Rice, with Jorginho as backup. Partey himself has just one year remaining on his contract.

Sterling looking for new club

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has been left out of the club’s first-team plans and is now seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge, according to the Evening Standard. Following a conversation with new head coach Enzo Maresca, Sterling understands that he is not part of Chelsea’s immediate plans and is open to offers to revive his career before the transfer window closes. The 29-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £50m, has three years remaining on his contract and is settled in west London with his young family. While he has rejected interest from the Saudi Pro League, it remains unclear where his next destination in the Premier League could be.