Omar Marmoush to Man City: ‘Bid rejected’ just as kit unveiling ready – sources
Man City have had an initial offer for Omar Marmoush “rejected” by Eintracht Frankfurt, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Bundesliga outfit are still holding out for a £65million offer, while City’s bid totalled around £58million.
However, there is growing confidence that the two clubs can reach an agreement as they plan to unveil the 25-year-old in a Man City kit before the transfer window closes.
Both City and Frankfurt are expected to meet in the middle of their current valuations in a deal which would reflect the best interests of all parties.
Bringing in a new forward to provide competition for Erling Haaland had become one of Pep Guardiola’s priorities this month, and Marmoush emerged as the top target.
Football Insider revealed last week (10 January) that talks had been held with the player’s representatives prior to their first official bid as they ramped up their efforts to complete a deal.
The Egypt international is said to be keen on a move to the Etihad and would welcome the opportunity to work under Guardiola.
Man City pushing to agree Omar Marmoush deal within weeks
Haaland remains the only out-and-out striker in Guardiola’s side as things stand, but his mixed displays of late have forced City to consider alternative options.
Marmoush represents a different type of forward to the Norwegian – somebody who can also play out wide as well as with his back to goal, and is willing to drop deep and link play.
This pushed him to the top of City’s list of targets, allowing Guardiola some variation in his side and ability to change the game plan when his team aren’t clicking.
On top of his ability on the ball, Marmoush’s excellent record of 20 goals and 14 assists in 26 games across all competitions this season has made him one of Europe’s most highly-regarded forwards.
City have now moved ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich after making their intentions clear early in the window, and he is now expected to make that move.
West Ham and Nottingham Forest had also expressed an interest in the forward, but have been blown out of the water by the level of elite interest in his signature.