Manchester City's quest to replace departed captain Ilkay Gundogan rumbles on after they gave up on their chase of Declan Rice.
City have lost their captain as he will officially depart after seven years when his contract expires at the end of the month and join Barcelona on a free transfer. The Blues have got used to waving goodbye to legends over the years but Pep Guardiola has rarely lost a player still so integral to his side, one still delivering crucial moments in the biggest games.
Gundogan is by no means past his peak like Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero or Fernandinho were, to the contrary, he may well still be playing the best football of his career. After his brace won the title on the final day of the 2021/22 season, the German was again instrumental in getting City over the line this past season and scored twice in the FA Cup final on the way to the treble triumph.
Replacing him will be no easy feat but City have made a good start. Mateo Kovacic has been recruited in a shrewd £25million deal from Chelsea and the Croatian has taken the briefly vacant No.8. But he isn't seen as a direct replacement by the club who would ideally like to sign another midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Also read: Declan Rice to Arsenal transfer smashes four terrible Man City myths
City held an interest in West Ham talisman Rice and made it concrete at the start of the week with a £90m bid which was turned down. Their approach spurred Arsenal into action who have raised their own offer for their top target to a massive £105m. The deal is yet to be agreed as West Ham have complaints about the payment structure but the staggering price has seen City walk away from the deal.
So who else could the Blues target to replace Gundogan? Here are five possible options ...
Gabri Veiga
The name getting City fans excited at the moment is Gabri Veiga. The Celta Vigo playmaker has caught the eye after a fine season, netting 11 times and grabbing four assists in 36 La Liga games, including a brace to defeat champions Barcelona on the final day.
The 21-year-old is said to have a £35m release clause in his contract and the Daily Mail reported back in March that City were monitoring his development. Real Madrid are said to be keeping a keen eye on him as well. Veiga's playing style has a striking resemblance to Phil Foden and he could represent a good option at a very reasonable price.
Moises Caicedo
The midfielder many of the big Premier League clubs are chasing is Moises Caicedo. The Brighton battler is Chelsea's top midfield target, is being considered by Manchester United and has been linked to Arsenal as well.
Though currently a much more defensive-minded midfielder than Gundogan, Caicedo has flourished in the Premier League and at 21 could improve his game even more under Guardiola's stewardship. He won't come cheap though as Brighton are under no pressure to sell given his long-term contract. £80m is the asking price.
Mason Mount
The reason United are considering Caicedo is that they have hit a stumbling block in their pursuit of top target Mason Mount. Despite agreeing personal terms weeks ago, they are unable to convince Chelsea to lower their price. United have seen three bids, the highest reaching £55m, rejected as the Blues hold out for £65m.
That is a steep price for a player in the final year of his contract but there is an opening City could exploit if they wanted. Mount has been out of form for a while at a turbulent Chelsea but he remains very talented and is still just 24. He also has the versatility, energy and tactical intelligence Guardiola loves and a ready-built relationship with City's England internationals.
Nico Barella
City experienced first-hand just how good Nico Barella is in the Champions League final. The all-action midfielder was one of the chief culprits in knocking the Blues off their game in Istanbul with his relentless pressing and aggressive tackling. Cash-strapped Inter are looking to raise funds this summer which means he could be available.
The 26-year-old might not be quite as elegant on the ball as Gundogan but he would bring that crucial ability to win second balls and he is also a serious threat in the opposition box, with nine goals and 10 assists to his name last season.
Internal replacement
There's a good chance City don't end up bringing another midfielder in this summer but they are still well-stocked in the department to cope. Kovacic might not be as effective going forward but he is in a similar mould to Gundogan in his dynamism, intelligence and distribution.
Kalvin Phillips is still raring to prove he is worth his spot in the team after a disastrous first season and has proven for England he can play in a more advanced role. Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez impressed when given the chance in a central position towards the end of the season, Bernardo Silva (providing he stays) can play there no problem and youngsters Cole Palmer and James McAtee will be eager to make a step up.
