Manchester City are exploring the January transfer market in search of solutions to arrest their alarming slump in form, and reports suggest they are closely monitoring Barcelona’s Dani Olmo.
Man City in Talks with Dani Olmo: A Solution to Their Midfield Crisis?
The Spanish midfielder, whom Pep Guardiola has long admired, is emerging as a potential target for the Premier League champions.
Olmo, who joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig last summer, finds himself in a precarious situation at Camp Nou.
Financial constraints have left the Catalan giants unable to register his £181,000-per-week salary within La Liga’s stringent limits.
According to The Athletic, Olmo’s contract includes a clause allowing him to leave on a free transfer if his registration issues aren’t resolved by January.
Despite his initial desire to remain at Barcelona, the prospect of not playing regularly could compel the talented 25-year-old to reconsider his options.
Manchester City, keen to capitalize on this opportunity, have reportedly maintained regular and positive communication with Olmo’s representatives. Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, adding competition for the Spaniard’s signature.
City’s interest in Olmo aligns with their pressing need for reinforcements. The club has struggled since the injury to midfield lynchpin Rodri, winning just one of their last 12 games across all competitions.
Pep Guardiola has attributed the poor run to a mix of factors, from tactical inefficiencies to uncharacteristic lapses in focus.
For Guardiola, Olmo represents more than just a short-term fix. The City manager has admired the midfielder since their meeting in the Champions League when Olmo was at Dinamo Zagreb.
“He’s an incredible player,” Guardiola once remarked.
“His performance shows he’s capable of thriving in Europe’s strongest leagues.”
With Barcelona’s financial difficulties potentially opening the door for a bargain transfer, City may see Olmo as a chance to address their woes and bolster their midfield.
As the January window approaches, the next few weeks could determine whether Guardiola finally secures the player he’s admired for years.