Manchester City are expanding their search for midfield reinforcements as the transfer deadline approaches, with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister emerging as a serious alternative while negotiations over Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez continue to stall.
City remain interested in Fernandez and are also monitoring Cody Gakpo as a potential attacking addition, but the absence of progress with Chelsea has prompted them to consider other options in the market.
Mac Allister has now entered the picture, though persuading Liverpool to part with one of their most influential midfielders would be a considerable challenge.
Man City assess feasibility of Alexis Mac Allister deal
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester City have explored the conditions required to sign Mac Allister as they wait to see whether their pursuit of Fernandez can move forward.
City’s interest in Gakpo also remains active. Sky Sports reports that the Premier League champions are considering the Dutch forward following the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush, although Liverpool currently have no intention of selling him.
The Fernandez situation remains the more advanced of the midfield pursuits. The Guardian reported that City could still move for the Argentina international despite Chelsea’s earlier deadline for offers having passed.
Enzo Maresca is looking to bring in greater experience and leadership following a summer of significant changes at the Etihad.
Mac Allister deal would be tougher than Fernandez
Mac Allister would be an outstanding acquisition for Manchester City, but this ranks among the most difficult moves they could attempt.
Liverpool have no clear motivation to sell. The Argentina international is technically exceptional, proven in the Premier League and central to their midfield setup. Even a substantial offer would likely be rejected.
As a result, City’s interest serves more as an indication of their broader strategy than evidence that a transfer is imminent.
Fernandez still appears the more realistic option, given that Chelsea have at least left the door open at the right price. Mac Allister, by contrast, would require City to convince a direct title rival to weaken their own squad.
Gakpo presents a similar obstacle.
City clearly want to add further quality before the deadline, but targeting two important Liverpool players highlights just how challenging their preferred market has become.
