The genius Man City and Nottingham Forest swap transfer deal that could shake up summer window

Manchester City have under-performed in the Premier League this season and will be hoping for much better next time around. Pep Guardiola has the chance to bring in some new faces this summer. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see some players head through the entrance door at the Etihad Stadium.

As for Nottingham Forest, they have enjoyed an excellent campaign under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo. They are eyeing a place in the Champions League and have their sights set on the top four. They have four fixtures left to play as they aim to achieve their target.

Manchester City eye Nottingham Morgan Gibbs-White swoop

Manchester City ‘fancy’ signing Morgan Gibbs-White, as per the Daily Mail, and despite missing a couple of chances, he caught the eye playing against Guardiola’s men at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final clash last time out. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Nottingham Forest face a real battle to keep hold of him. He is under contract at the City Ground until June 2027 but money talks.

City have a vacancy to fill in his position with Kevin de Bruyne set to leave when this campaign is over. The North West side have the financial power to sign pretty much whoever they want and Gibbs-White would be a shrewd addition if they got him. He is still relatively young, has potential to get better and would inject quality into their starting XI.

The England international, who has two caps to his name, was snapped up by Forest in 2022 after their promotion from the Championship under ex-manager Steve Cooper. He has since become one of their most prized assets and has scored 16 goals in 113 matches, five of which have come this term. The Stafford-born man plays in behind Chris Wood and likes to link their wingers like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga into the game.

Gibbs-White rose up through the academy ranks at Wolves and was a regular at various different youth levels. He went on to play 88 games for the Midlands club as a youngster and found the net on three occasions. They also loaned him out to Swansea City and Sheffield United to get some experience under his belt.

Why Manchester City’s James McAtee would suit Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest may try and hold firm though if City come calling for Gibbs-White. In addition, if they get into the Champions League he may be tempted to stay put and remain for the exciting adventure. However, if James McAtee was offered as part of a swap deal, the Reds may have their head turned.

McAtee, 22, will only get better down the line and would be a shrewd long-term addition for Nuno’s side. The Mancunian has had to be patient for game time over recent times and has been linked with a departure. He would get more chance of regular action if he left for a new challenge somewhere.

The England youth international has been with City for his whole career to date and has bagged seven goals in 25 outings altogether. He has only featured on 13 occasions in the league though due to strong competition for his place. Sheffield United had him on loan for a couple of spells before this season and he was an important player for the Blades and boosted his development in South Yorkshire.

If Forest were to see Gibbs-White head out the exit door, they must find an adequate replacement. McAtee fits the bill and is someone who may feel they would have a point to prove if City let him go. He is also three years younger meaning they could squeeze a few more years out of him.