Man City transfer news: Citizens accelerate move for French gem with immediate loan planned

Manchester City have accelerated the recruitment of a Ligue 2 forward as the club embarks on a new cycle under Enzo Maresca following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

After a decade on the touchline, Guardiola has made way for Maresca, with City set to pay compensation to Chelsea for their new manager. A fresh chapter is beginning at the Etihad following a mixed 2025-26 campaign. The Citizens finished second in the Premier League but salvaged their season by lifting the FA Cup at Chelsea's expense.

Ahead of the new term, Manchester City have significant work to do in reshaping a squad set for considerable upheaval. The club are targeting a defensive midfielder and seeking a worthy replacement for Bernardo Silva, whose departure has been officially confirmed. But it is on another front that City have made the most progress, a move for highly coveted French teenage forward Mathys Detourbet.

Detourbet to leave Troyes for City Football Group sister club

A driving force behind Troyes' return to Ligue 1 as Ligue 2 champions, Detourbet will not be continuing his career in the Aube region despite holding a contract until June 2028. According to Foot Mercato, the Premier League heavyweights are well advanced in securing the services of the 19-year-old wonderkid.

An agreement is close to being finalised between the two parties for a five-year contract running until June 2031. It is worth noting that Troyes, newly promoted to the top flight, are not in a position to resist Manchester City's approach, given that both clubs share the same ownership under the City Football Group umbrella.

Detourbet contributed three goals and six assists in 33 Ligue 2 matches this season, but he will not be heading straight to the Etihad Stadium.

Immediate Monaco loan lined up

A Ligue 1 club are leading the race to welcome Detourbet on a 12-month loan with an option for a further season. Barring a late twist, AS Monaco will sign the Troyes teenager.

Seventh in Ligue 1 and qualified only for the Conference League playoffs, the Principality club — who are expected to appoint Filipe Luis as manager in place of Sebastien Pocognoli — will offer Detourbet the opportunity to continue his development at a higher level. The 19-year-old could fill a position left vacant by the potential departure of Maghnes Akliouche, who has been linked with a move away from the Stade Louis II.