Manchester City is showing strong interest in Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, a move that could significantly bolster their attacking options.
The 21-year-old joined Les Rouge et Noirs from Anderlecht in the summer of 2020 for €26m (£22.2m) and has since impressed in Ligue 1, emerging as one of the brightest prospects in the league.
However, Doku has been plagued by niggling injuries over the past two seasons, resulting in only 43 top-flight starts since the start of the 2021-22 campaign.
Despite the setbacks, the talented 14-cap Belgium international has managed to contribute 10 goals and 11 assists for Rennes in all competitions, including seven goals and four assists in 37 appearances last season.
Notably, Doku’s performances have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, as well as Serie A sides Napoli and AC Milan. But, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reveals that Manchester City has now entered the race for his signature, with Pep Guardiola viewing the winger as a priority target.
Further fueling the speculations, journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggests that the Etihad Stadium is the most likely destination for Doku this summer, as the club has intensified talks with the talented attacker.
While Barcelona is keeping tabs on him due to uncertainty surrounding Ousmane Dembele, Manchester City appears to be ahead in the race, although negotiations with Rennes are yet to begin.
Doku’s potential move to Manchester City might be a timely one, as they are now facing a shortage of attacking options.
The departure of Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli has left a void, and they could potentially lose other first-team players this summer. Bernardo Silva is heavily linked with an exit, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal reportedly interested.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer might be heading out on loan, with Brighton & Hove Albion leading the race for his signature.
In their quest to reinforce the attacking department, Manchester City has also identified RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo as a potential replacement for Mahrez.
There have been rumors of a summer swoop for Barcelona winger Raphinha as well, although the Brazilian has expressed no intention of leaving Camp Nou.
As for Doku, who still has two years left on his Rennes contract, it remains to be seen if he will end up at the Etihad Stadium. The competition for his signature is fierce, and the decision will likely hinge on Manchester City’s negotiations with Rennes and other potential suitors.