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Breaking
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EXCLUSIVE: Man City target late Deadline Day deal for Joaquin Panichelli
Steve Kay
- Updated: 2 Feb 2026 17:13 GMT
- 4 min read
Exclusive
Manchester City are studying the possibility of completing a third major signing of the transfer window, with Strasbourg's Joaquin Panichelli eyed as a late addition to the squad to support Erling Haaland.
Haaland has not been at his brilliant best for City in recent weeks and as a result the results of Pep Guardiola’s side have slipped.
On Sunday, they suffered another disappointment as they threw away a 2-0 lead against Tottenham. The draw leaves them six points shy of Premier League leaders Arsenal, with 14 matches of the campaign remaining.
Current ETV
Joaquín Panichelli
F (C)
Strasbourg
Joaquín Panichelli
F (C)
Strasbourg
ETV Range
€13.9M - €17M
Man City target Strasbourg hitman Panichelli
In order to provide Haaland with some relief, Pep Guardiola’s side have been in the market for a striker and are looking at completing a deal for Strasbourg hitman Panichelli.
Previously, City had been considering a deal for Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, who looks destined to move to AC Milan.
Guardiola has concerns about City’s lack of attacking threat and the sudden dip in Haaland’s form. He believes that competition is required in the No.9 role if his side are to compete for trophies in the final three months of the season.
Panichelli has been one of the most impressive strikers in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 13 goals in 28 appearances for Strasbourg.
He is a physical frontman in the form of a traditional No.9 but is also deft of touch and excellent at bringing others into play.
A difficult deal to make
One issue that could block City from making this deal is that Strasbourg are actively trying to recruit an additional centre-forward due to an injury to Chelsea-bound striker Emmanuel Emegha.
Further to this, Strasbourg’s links with BlueCo could also hinder a deal. A sister club to Chelsea, there will be doubts as to whether it is a smart move to help reinforce the squad of Man City, a direct rival to the London side in the Premier League.
These issues will need to be resolved quickly if City are to add a third winter signing to their ranks after Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo.
Related stories:
Panichelli next? Strasbourg president confirms Chelsea transfer plan
Chelsea signed the WRONG striker as manager admits: I’ve never seen a No.9 play like that
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