Man City set to block January exit of Aston Villa and Tottenham target
Manchester City are determined to keep Omar Marmoush at the club for the remainder of the January transfer window, despite growing interest from Premier League rivals, according to Football Insider.
The 26-year-old forward has attracted attention from Tottenham and Aston Villa, but City have made it clear they have no intention of sanctioning a mid-season departure.
Marmoush has found himself in and out of the starting line-up under Pep Guardiola, largely due to the fierce competition for attacking places at the Etihad Stadium.
However, City’s stance has hardened in recent weeks as the club places greater emphasis on maintaining depth behind their talismanic striker Erling Haaland.
Man City want to keep Marmoush to maintain depth
The Egyptian international showed his value on Saturday by scoring in City’s 2–0 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That goal came in just his third league start of the season, yet it served as a timely reminder of his effectiveness when called upon.
Marmoush’s pace, intelligent movement, and ability to operate across the front line have been praised internally, with Guardiola viewing him as a reliable alternative should Haaland be unavailable or require rotation.
With domestic and European commitments piling up, Guardiola is keen to avoid being left short in attack, particularly after recent seasons in which injuries to key forwards have disrupted City’s rhythm.
Pep Guardiola’s team are fighting on all fronts
Man City are currently fighting to win all four competitions and in the second half of the season, depth of the squad is going to be key.
From the player’s perspective, Marmoush has remained professional despite limited minutes.
Tottenham and Aston Villa both see Marmoush as a player capable of making an immediate impact, especially given their respective needs for attacking depth.
Villa, in particular, are thought to admire his ability to play both centrally and out wide.
However, City’s position appears firm, Marmoush is staying, at least until the summer.
Sources: Man City “keen” to gain ground on Man Utd & Chelsea in £100m transfer deal
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