City are continuing to plan for the 2027 transfer window despite the uncertainty surrounding their appeal against the Premier League’s financial rules verdict.
According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, sources close to the club insist recruitment work is proceeding largely as normal, with potential targets still being assessed and future squad requirements under consideration.
The report suggests City have not put their transfer preparations on hold while the legal process continues, although the eventual outcome could have implications for their ability to act on those plans.
Kayode and Gusto among right-back options
Brentford’s Michael Kayode is one of the players attracting City’s attention, with Bailey reporting that Enzo Maresca is a particularly strong admirer of the 21-year-old Italian defender.
Chelsea’s Malo Gusto also remains of interest as City consider their longer-term options at right-back. The club have been assessing potential additions in that position, although there is no indication in the latest report that an agreement has been reached for either player.
Kayode’s emergence at international level has added to his reputation, but Brentford are determined to retain him. The defender is understood to be happy in west London, while several other leading Premier League clubs are monitoring his progress.
City’s continued recruitment work comes after an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 of the 115 financial rules charges brought by the Premier League. City dispute the findings and have appealed, with any sanctions still to be determined.
For now, the reported approach suggests that City’s recruitment department is continuing its preparations rather than waiting for the legal process to conclude.
Whether those plans can ultimately be carried out on the club’s preferred terms will depend, at least in part, on what happens next in the case.
