Manchester City needs a new magic wand.

Kevin De Bruyne has decided to hang up his boots during the summer break, and now Pep Guardiola is desperately searching for the next midfield magician who can conjure up points at the Etihad.

And where is he looking?

South London – home of fish & chips, Croydon slang, and one Eberechi Eze, who dances with the ball as if it were Strictly Come Dribbling.

According to several English and Spanish media outlets, Eze is at the top of City’s wish list as a replacement for the Belgian legend.

Crystal Palace has set a price tag of 80 million euros, but sources say that doesn’t exactly scare off Guardiola and Co.

City has previously splashed out on high-profile players like Jack Grealish, and with Eze’s flair, speed, and fabulous technique, he fits perfectly into Guardiola’s philosophy.

Foden on the Brink

Although Phil Foden has emerged as an offensive creator and was named Premier League Player of the Year last season, he hasn’t fully managed to fill De Bruyne’s shoes.

Guardiola wants to refresh his aging squad, and with key players like Bernardo Silva, Stones, and Walker all over 30, summer transfer activity is expected to focus on younger talents.

This is where Eze comes into play. The former Arsenal academy player has impressed at Palace and fits perfectly into Guardiola’s ambition to build around a British core.

However, according to FourFourTwo, negotiations are far from a reality, but City is keeping its cards close to its chest – and is ready to play them when the window opens.

Alternatives in Sight

Eze isn’t the only name on the list. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is also mentioned as a potential candidate, while German Florian Wirtz is said to have turned down a move to the Premier League.

Thus, City is leaning toward domestic solutions – both for tactical and practical reasons.

If Guardiola is to continue his magic at City, it requires a new conductor in midfield.

Will Eze be the new De Bruyne, or just another expensive gamble?

We’ll find out soon – but the dance moves from Selhurst Park certainly look promising.

Source: FourFourTwo