The transfer market has taken another dramatic turn after reports emerged that Manchester City has identified Cody Gakpo as a serious target to bolster their attack.

The Dutch international, who moved to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has been on Pep Guardiola’s radar for some time, but direct talks in recent days have brought the possibility of a sensational transfer closer to reality.

Insiders reveal that Gakpo’s representatives have already met with senior Manchester City officials to outline the conditions of a potential deal.

The discussions were said to be positive, with City’s recruitment team particularly impressed by Gakpo’s versatility.

Comfortable playing as a winger on either flank or as a central striker, he offers a profile that Guardiola values highly – a dynamic forward with pace, technical quality, and the intelligence to operate in multiple systems.

His ability to drift between lines and link play would, in theory, make him a natural fit in City’s fluid attacking setup alongside stars like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Julián Álvarez.

However, the talks quickly took an unexpected turn once Liverpool’s stance became clear.

Sources close to the negotiations claim that Liverpool’s valuation of Gakpo stands at over €100 million, a figure that left Manchester City officials surprised.

City had anticipated a more modest asking price, particularly given Gakpo’s relatively limited minutes under Jürgen Klopp last season and his struggle for consistency in a squad packed with attacking talent.

For Liverpool, though, the Dutch forward represents more than just a rotational player.

At only 25, he is viewed as a long-term piece of their post-Klopp rebuild, someone with the potential to develop into a leading figure in the years to come.

Liverpool’s hardline stance underscores both their determination to retain key assets and their reluctance to strengthen a direct Premier League rival.

By setting the fee so high, the Merseyside club has effectively tested City’s resolve, daring the champions to break their carefully controlled transfer strategy.

While City are known for their financial strength, Guardiola’s side rarely overpays unless they believe the player will be a transformative figure within the squad.

As it stands, Manchester City has not issued a formal response to Liverpool’s demand.

Club executives are believed to be reassessing their options, weighing the potential impact of signing Gakpo against the financial outlay required.

Alternative targets are also being considered, as City remain intent on adding depth to an attack that will be tested across multiple competitions in the coming season.

The English champions are aiming not only to defend their domestic crown but also to mount another serious push for Champions League glory, where squad depth can often prove decisive.

For Gakpo himself, the situation places him in an intriguing position.

The forward has spoken previously about his happiness at Liverpool, but the chance to join Guardiola’s project and compete for the biggest honors in European football could prove tempting.

Much may depend on whether City push ahead with a formal bid and whether Liverpool are willing to entertain negotiations that include performance-related bonuses and clauses to bridge the valuation gap.

With weeks remaining in the transfer window, the story is far from over.

As history has shown, football transfers can shift rapidly, and what seems impossible one day can become reality the next.

For now, one thing is clear: Manchester City want Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool are not prepared to let him leave cheaply.

The battle between two Premier League giants over the Dutch star has added yet another layer of intrigue to a summer window already filled with drama, and fans on both sides will be watching closely to see if a deal can be struck before the deadline.