Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign midfielder Tijjani Reijnders this summer.
Following an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, the Citizens are embarking on a new era under the guidance of new sporting director Hugo Viana, with the wheels already in motion for City to revamp Pep Guardiola's squad.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed that several transfer targets have been "clearly identified" by the club and their "objective" is to build a "new squad" before their FIFA Club World Cup campaign begins in mid-June.
The Citizens are believed to be prioritising the addition of at least four new players ahead of next season, with midfield reinforcements expected as club legend Kevin De Bruyne is leaving upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.
Man City's primary target for the No.8 position is Netherlands international Reijnders, who is said to have already given the green light to make the 'dream' move to Guardiola's side.
© Imago
Man City to confirm Reijnders arrival at 'beginning of next week'
Multiple reports on Friday have stated that negotiations have commenced between Man City and Milan, with the Serie A giants - now managed by Massimiliano Allegri - indicating they want more than €60m (£50m) and a fee closer to €70m (£59m), according to Sky Sports News.
DAZN journalist Orazio Accomando claims that an agreement has now been reached between both clubs for the transfer of Reijnders, with Man City to pay 'approximately' €70m in total, including bonuses.
Accomando adds that the final administrative details are still to be finalised, but Man City should conclude a deal for Reijnders at the beginning of next week, with the summer transfer window to officially open on June 1.
Should that prove to be the case, Reijnders would be available to make his debut for the Citizens in their opening Club World Cup group-stage fixture against Moroccan outfit Wydad AC on June 18.
© Imago
"Magically gifted footballer" Reijnders could be Gundogan's successor
Despite signing a new five-year contract extension at San Siro in March, Reijnders is seemingly poised to complete a statement transfer to Man City following a stellar 2024-25 campaign in Italy.
The 26-year-old has established himself as an important first-team player at Milan since joining from AZ Alkmaar for £17m in 2023, scoring 15 goals and registering five assists in 54 appearances this season.
Reijnders has been rewarded for his impressive form in 2024-25 as he was listed in the Serie A Team of the Season and was named the division's Midfielder of the Season.
The Rossoneri star has been described as a "magically gifted footballer" by Man City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany who has told Sports Mole that the Dutchman could "easily be shaped" into an "Ilkay Gundogan-esque player" under Guardiola.
Oliver Thomas
