Pep Guardiola makes major Manchester City transfer admission in light of Kevin De Bruyne injury blow

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will be active in the transfer market following Kevin De Bruyne’s serious injury.

Manchester City are set to be without Kevin De Bruyne for the remainder of the calendar year, with the 32-year-old potentially requiring surgery after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Burnley last week.

The midfielder, who was directly involved in 23 Premier League goals last season, could miss over 30 matches for the Sky Blues, with Pep Guardiola’s side additionally competing in the FIFA Club World Cup as a result of winning the UEFA Champions League.

De Bruyne’s injury is thought to have accelerated Manchester City’s pursuit of West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who could move to the Etihad Stadium during the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.

West Ham paid a club-record £51 million for the 25-year-old last summer, but are resigned to losing the midfielder to the treble-winners.

Manchester City, who have lost both Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez during the transfer window, have added Croatian pair Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol to the first-team squad.

Pep Guardiola has suggested that further additions are on the horizon, with City looking to sign a new midfielder in light of De Bruyne’s injury.

Asked about replacing the Belgian, Guardiola said: “Another one. We miss him but we will be close to him and we have incredible doctors. Another one is coming in.”

Manchester City had a £70 million verbal offer for Paqueta rejected last week, but the Brazilian midfielder has an £85 million release clause which becomes active in 2024.

The treble-winners are also interested in signing Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, as City seek to strengthen their squad after clinching victory in the UEFA Super Cup on penalties against Sevilla in Athens on Wednesday evening.