Florian Wirtz and Bruno Guimaraes at the top of Manchester City’s transfer wishlist as Pep Guardiola seeks midfield reinforcements

City’s midfield, once the backbone of their dominance, has faltered in recent weeks due to Rodri's prolonged injury and underwhelming performances from other central players. The lack of creativity and control in the centre of the park has left Guardiola’s side struggling to maintain their usual standards, which have forced them to look at options in the market with Wirtz and Guimaraes emerging as the top targets, according to The Times.

Wirtz is viewed as an ideal addition to the squad but prying him away from Leverkusen in January appears unlikely, as the Bundesliga club is determined to retain their prized asset. City also face stiff competition for Wirtz’s signature, with Real Madrid expressing strong interest in the midfielder. Wirtz’s recent collaboration with agent Volker Struth, who has close ties to Spanish clubs, further complicates matters. Struth also represents Toni Kroos, enhancing Madrid’s chances of securing Wirtz, particularly if Xabi Alonso - Leverkusen’s current manager - takes over as Real’s head coach next summer.

Newcastle United midfielder Guimaraes has also resurfaced on City’s radar. The 27-year-old Brazilian has previously been linked with a move to the Etihad, and sources suggest he is open to joining Guardiola’s side either in January or during the summer transfer window. City passed on activating Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause last summer, but his recent five-year contract extension with Newcastle might pose challenges in negotiations.

City are not limiting their search to just Wirtz and Guimaraes. Martín Zubimendi, a £50 million-rated Spanish international, is another name on their shortlist. The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder rejected a move to Liverpool last summer to stay with his boyhood club, but he is now reportedly open to a transfer. Zubimendi’s availability has caught the attention of several top clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, alongside City. In addition, City have been keeping tabs on Atalanta’s Ederson and Crystal Palace’s rising star Adam Wharton.

City’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements comes as they grapple with uncharacteristic struggles. The champions currently sit eight points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table. Their recent 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League marked their seventh loss in 10 matches across all competitions. Next, they face a critical test against arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.