Manchester City midfielder rejects contract extension offer with Italy transfer targeted | OneFootball

Highly-rated Manchester City midfield talent Charlie Gray has reportedly focussed in on an exit from the City Football Academy, according to new claims.

City’s youth department has seen a number of movements in recent months as the club continues to balance its elite development pathway with realistic first-team progression opportunities.

Recent reported interest in teenage talents such as Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga underlines Manchester City’s commitment to future planning, but departures are inevitable within such a competitive environment.

This situation again highlights the challenge for homegrown prospects breaking into Pep Guardiola’s midfield ranks, alongside the likes of Nico O’Reilly’s emergence, Claudio Echeverri’s ongoing bedding in process, and City continuing to invest in global youth.

Players including James McAtee and Cole Palmer have shown the various routes available to those developing within the City Football Academy, whether through patient development, loan moves away, or seeking permanent opportunity elsewhere.

Charlie Gray has long been seen as one of Manchester City’s most technically impressive midfield academy starlets, and one seen as a composed operator at the base of midfield with standout passing range and game intelligence.

But, according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Manchester City’s academy midfielder has turned down a new contract at the City Football Academy and now looks set to move on from the club.

The 19-year-old will subsequently become a free agent next summer, and while Manchester City staff reportedly want him to stay, Charlie Gray knows his best chance of progress is a move away and a switch to Italy is said to be ‘top of his wish-list’.

From featuring in the FA Youth Cup triumph against Leeds United to playing a key role in the PL2 title win, Gray’s development at the club has attracted significant attention from scouts across Europe.

The player’s decision also comes after a standout campaign at Elite Development Squad level, where he featured prominently in both Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League, with his calmness in possession, high scanning frequency, and link-up efficiency noticed within the club.

Looking ahead, Italian sides have made notable moves for young English players in recent windows, and Charlie Gray may view Serie A as a clearer path to senior football. For City, while the player’s growth is admired, they are pragmatic about pathways especially given the midfield depth and continued recruitment in advanced roles.

Should Gray leave the club, Manchester City may hope to secure favourable future conditions, potentially a sell-on clause or similar safeguard – in line with recent academy exits.