Manchester City Weighs £70 Million Bid for Gibbs-White as Silva Replacement
Manchester City is reportedly preparing a substantial offer for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with a potential bid of £70 million, as they seek a long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva. The move comes amid speculation surrounding Silva’s future and a need to bolster City’s midfield options.
According to Football Insider, City views the 26-year-old Gibbs-White as an ideal successor to Silva, recognizing his potential to contribute significantly to the team’s attacking prowess and overall midfield dynamism. However, securing Gibbs-White won’t be straightforward, as Nottingham Forest are reportedly resolute in their valuation of the player, having already rejected previous approaches.
Forest are understood to be demanding a fee of around £60 million for Gibbs-White, a significant return on the £29.5 million they paid for him just three and a half years ago. Manchester City will need to convince Forest to part with their key player, and potentially exceed the £60 million asking price to secure his signature.
Gibbs-White has been a pivotal figure for Nottingham Forest this season, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions. He has directly contributed to 11 goals, scoring 7 and providing 4 assists, demonstrating his growing influence and importance to the team. His performances have attracted attention from other Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, who are also monitoring the situation.
The pursuit of Gibbs-White underscores Manchester City’s proactive approach to squad building, particularly in light of potential departures. Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium, and City are keen to have a suitable replacement lined up before sanctioning any exit. Recent reports indicate Silva is targeting a new club following his time with Manchester City, though details remain limited.
The need to reinforce the midfield is further highlighted by concerns surrounding the long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. While not directly linked to the Gibbs-White pursuit, the club is actively considering options to ensure continued strength and depth in that crucial area of the pitch.
Beyond Gibbs-White, other potential transfer targets are also being considered by City. The club is also reportedly monitoring the situation of Christian Pulisic, with Arsenal and Manchester United also expressing interest in the AC Milan winger, who could cost upwards of £60 million.
Nottingham Forest face a dual challenge: battling for Premier League survival and retaining their key assets. The club will be hoping to navigate the transfer window successfully, maintaining a competitive squad while also securing their top-flight status. The outcome of the Gibbs-White saga could significantly impact their plans for the future.
Manchester United are also active in the transfer market, reportedly targeting a star player from Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister, according to separate reports. This demonstrates the heightened activity across the Premier League as clubs prepare for the upcoming transfer window.
