Manchester City have identified Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala as their top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is widely regarded as one of Europe's brightest prospects and has established himself as an influential first-team player for Bayern since making his senior debut in 2020.
Musiala has already made a total of 161 appearances for the Bavarian giants in all competitions, scoring 43 goals and registering 30 assists, including 12 goals and seven assists in 36 games so far this season.
The 27-cap Germany international has won nine trophies at Bayern, including four Bundesliga titles, and is hoping to add a second Champions League to his cabinet this term now that Thomas Tuchel's side have advanced to the semi-finals.
Musiala has just over two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena, but speculation over his long-term future in Germany is rife amid reported interest from a number of top European clubs.
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Guardiola determined to lure Musiala to Man City
Recent reports have suggested that Man City have moved ahead of Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Musiala this summer.
According to The Guardian, the Citizens are 'planning a big push' to lure Musiala to the Etihad Stadium ahead of the new campaign and have identified the midfielder as their primary transfer target.
The report adds that manager Pep Guardiola is keen to bolster his squad with more attacking midfield options and believes that Musiala is the man who can improve his already talented crop of City stars.
It is claimed that City will step up their 'advanced interest' in Musiala if there is any indication from the player that he would be open to seeking a fresh challenge away from Bayern, while the midfielder's former club Chelsea are also said to be monitoring his situation.
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Bayern keen to keep hold of Musiala
Prising Musiala away from Bayern could prove challenging for Man City or any other interested suitors, though, as the Bundesliga giants have no interest in selling the midfielder this summer, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Plettenberg claims that Bayern are keen to extend Musiala's contract and director Max Eberl will not entertain any offers for the player who currently has no price-tag, contrary to previous reports that he is valued at around £100m.
Musiala is not the only attack-minded midfielder who is on Man City's radar, as they are also believed to hold a strong interest in West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta.
A recent report claims that the Citizens have already agreed personal terms with the Brazil international, although his future may depend on the FA's verdict into the player's betting probe.
Oliver Thomas
