Manchester City are reportedly still circling over Jack Grealish despite Aston Villa’s desire to keep hold of the English international.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are still in the market for Jack Grealish. The Aston Villa playmaker has attracted the attention of Pep Guardiola in the summer, as he looks to enhance the team’s creative department that lacked a bit of fuel this past season following the departure of David Silva.
Aston Villa, though, are determined to keep hold of their prized asset at all costs. They have even opened talks with Grealish over a potential contract extension. His current deal runs until 2025, meaning the Villans are mainly looking to increase his wages in an attempt to coax him into prolonging his stay at Villa Park.
However, Manchester City are determined to get their hands on the English international, one of Premier League’s most gifted playmakers. The Citizens themselves are preparing for a summer of change, with Bernardo Silva reportedly voicing his desire to leave the club, amid interest from Barcelona.
The Portuguese international’s potential departure should leave Pep Guardiola devoid of options in the creative department, with Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne being the only viable picks in Manchester City’s creative department.
Even the wingers have been subjected to speculation, with Raheem Sterling, in particular, emerging as a hot topic for Arsenal. The same can be said for Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus, while Sergio Aguero has already left the club after 10 years of service.
An attacker like Grealish could go a long way in filling up the void as far as Manchester City’s creative department is concerned. The 25-year-old was directly involved in 18 goals last season for an Aston Villa side that finished in mid-table.
During his time at Villa Park, the Birmingham native has proven himself to be a top-class attacker and an inspiring leader. It bodes well for a Manchester City side that may have quality going forward but not a lot of leadership. Grealish can provide that, even becoming Manchester City’s ideal answer to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
It also appears only a matter of time before the newly crowned English champions come up with an offer that meets Aston Villa’s valuation. A recent report from ESPN suggests they are ready to fork out an astonishing £100 million to secure the services of Grealish.
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Although the Villans are determined to keep hold of their star player, the summer signing of Emiliano Buendia, combined with their interest in Emile Smith Rowe, hints that they are indeed preparing for life without their captain. What now remains to be seen is if Manchester City can land Grealish this summer, or if Aston Villa manage to keep a firm hold on him.
