Real Madrid receive major transfer boost for Bayern Munich star as Manchester City face disappointment | OneFootball

Manchester City may not have the will of the player as they remain keen on one of Bayern Munich’s primary stars for forthcoming transfer windows.

The Etihad recruitment team have been closely monitoring attacking reinforcements over the past 12 months, with a long-term vision and desire of refreshing Pep Guardiola’s forward line under the guidance of new sporting director Hugo Viana.

Manchester City’s pursuit of creative and versatile players has been consistent, as highlighted by their recent capture of Rayan Cherki from Lyon and earlier interest in other top-level performers such as Florian Wirtz prior to his decision to join Liverpool.

Michael Olise’s rapid rise at Crystal Palace and over to Bayern Munich has already established him as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards, and murmours of his potential availability has triggered strong competition among the continent’s giants.

Yet while Manchester City’s interest remains alive, if reports are to be believed, the latest indications suggest they may be fighting a losing battle against Real Madrid, who continue to build a squad geared towards long-term domestic and European dominance.

This development comes at a time when Manchester City are juggling a number of transfer priorities behind the scenes amid long-term uncertainty surrounding the likes of Jack Grealish – who is currently out on loan at Everton – and Savinho still holding admiration at Tottenham.

But according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Real Madrid is Michael Olise’s ideal next move, with ‘sources close to the player’ revealing a feeling from the player’s side that he has ‘done’ the Premier League in his breakthrough spell with Crystal Palace.

That belief will leave a couple of English top-flight heavyweights disappointed, with the report naming both Liverpool and Manchester City as being among other clubs keen on the France international for next summer – when he may leave Bayern Munich.

It is further explained that Olise had already turned down big clubs in England while at Selhurst Park amid a personal desire for UEFA Champions League football in his career, and a pursuit of individual and collective glory.

For City, this setback could force officials to sharpen focus on alternative options, having been proactive in targeting versatile attackers capable of playing across the front line, and it would not be surprising to see fresh links to other rising stars across Europe before the next window.

The landscape of Europe’s top transfers is shifting quickly, and City will need to adapt as fast if Olise is truly Madrid-bound in the longer-term. Whether that leads to a pivot towards other Bundesliga names or renewed emphasis on their own Academy graduates like Oscar Bobb remains to be seen.

With Madrid seemingly emerging as favourites, the next 12 months could be pivotal in shaping where Michael Olise fits into Europe’s elite, as for Manchester City, the task is to ensure they do not fall behind in their wider succession planning.