Manchester City ready to replace Leroy Sané with La Liga forward

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 20: Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad looks on during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on April 20, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 20: Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad looks on during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on April 20, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Manchester City are lining up a move for Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal, if Leroy Sané decides to join Bayern Munich.

It is no secret that Leroy Sané is Bayern Munich’s number one target as they look to replace the duo of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry, with The Guardian reporting that Bayern have made an approach. And head coach Niko Kovac revealed yesterday that the Bavarian giants are “confident” of signing the German winger.

Although Sané has not made a decision on his future yet, Manchester City are already keeping tabs on Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal, as they look to sign a potential replacement for the 23-year-old.

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Sané is coming off an impressive campaign at Manchester City. He helped them win the domestic treble and was one of just three players to register double figures for both goals and assists in the Premier League. However, he was limited to just 21 Premier League starts, and the offer of more playing time could tempt him to sign for Bayern Munich.

According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, the Premier League champions are ready to pay Oyarzabal’s release clause of 75 million euros in order to sign him. The report adds that City have already contacted his agents of the 22-year-old about their intentions to sign him in case Sané does leave.

Oyarzabal, who can play both as a winger and a striker, starred for Spain U-21s as they won the European Championships earlier this summer. The 22-year-old also scored 13 goals and provided four assists for Real Sociedad last season.

Oyarzabal is considered to be one of the best young players in Spain, and is on course to emulate former Real Sociedad star Antoine Griezmann. He has a very different playing style from Sané, but his sublime technique and versatility could make him a fantastic signing for Manchester City.

With the transfer window in England set to close in eight days, time is of the essence for Manchester City. They will be hoping that Leroy Sané makes a decision on his future quickly so that they have enough time to bring in a replacement if need be.