Man City are getting serious! Pep Guardiola & Co. 'advancing in discussions' over January transfers for Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush & Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov in bid to turn season around

According to The Athletic, City are pursuing both players although no formal agreements have been finalized yet. Marmoush, a 25-year-old Egyptian forward currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking prospects. He has been in sensational form this season, netting 13 goals in 15 Bundesliga matches, while amassing 18 goals and 12 assists across all competitions since his move from Wolfsburg in 2023.

Whereas, Khusanov, a 20-year-old centre-back from Lens, is another player firmly in City’s sights. The Uzbekistan international joined Lens in 2023 from the Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk. In his debut season in France, Khusanov made 16 appearances in all competitions, gradually establishing himself as a reliable defender. This season, Khusanov has been a regular starter for Lens, featuring in 16 of the team’s 18 Ligue 1 fixtures, missing only two games due to suspension after a red card incident in November. His performances have garnered attention from several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but Manchester City appear determined to bring him to the Etihad.

Khusanov is not in a hurry to jump on the City ship as his entourage told Foot Mercato: "The final decision is made by the player and we all must understand that he is the main person. We are in no hurry and after we receive all the offers, the player and his family will make a decision."

City’s interest in these players comes amidst a challenging season marked by injuries to key defenders. The reigning Premier League champions have struggled with the absence of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji at various points, impacting their title defence.

Manager Pep Guardiola has also openly acknowledged the need for reinforcements.

"In some positions we need help," he admitted. "When we're all together we're the team we were but with important players out for weeks and months it's so difficult."

Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Manchester City remain contenders in the Champions League and the FA Cup. Strengthening the squad with strategic additions in January could prove pivotal in their pursuit of these trophies. They will be back in action against Salford City on January 11 in a third-round FA Cup fixture.