In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City is targeting West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus, as the club seeks to revitalize its struggling squad under Pep Guardiola. After enduring a dismal run that has seen them suffer nine losses in their last 12 matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa over the weekend, City’s hopes of clinching a Premier League title seem to be slipping away.

Following Liverpool’s commanding 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, City now finds itself languishing 12 points behind the league leaders, with the Reds also possessing a game in hand. The current situation has forced Guardiola to candidly question his team's title aspirations, leaving fans and pundits alike concerned about the club's trajectory as they sit seventh in the Premier League standings.

Reports from Fichajes indicate that Manchester City is ready to make an £80 million move for the talented 24-year-old forward. Kudus’s versatility is one of his standout attributes; he can seamlessly operate both as a forward and in midfield, making him an attractive prospect not just for City, but also for competitors like Arsenal and Liverpool, who have previously shown interest in him.

This season, Kudus has made remarkable strides, tallying 45 progressive carries for West Ham, showcasing his exceptional ability to drive the ball forward at pace—an attribute that has become increasingly valuable as City’s once dynamic gameplay appears to have lost its edge. With an aging squad and increasing struggles from key players like Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, Kudus may provide the much-needed boost, particularly when it comes to the team’s defensive effectiveness.

However, Kudus's recent performances raise a red flag; he's netted only two goals in his last 18 Premier League games this season. On a more positive note, his expected goals (xG) has improved significantly, now averaging 0.31 per 90 minutes—up from just 0.19 last season. This suggests that he’s beginning to make more advantageous runs and get into better scoring positions.

While his addition could enhance City’s attacking options, it’s clear more reinforcements are necessary to address the broader array of issues plaguing the team. Guardiola has made bold choices, such as relegating first-choice goalkeeper Ederson to the bench in favor of Stefan Ortega, while the defense has shown vulnerability, particularly during counter-attacks with players like John Stones and Manuel Akanji facing criticism for their performances.

The absence of Rodri has further underscored the squad's over-reliance on the Ballon d'Or winner, and with his season cut short, City must consider future-proofing their midfield by scouting potential replacements. Martin Zubimendi has been rumored to be on City’s radar, though luring the talented defensive midfielder away from his boyhood club, Real Sociedad, will present a significant challenge.

As Manchester City navigates this turbulent phase, making strategic additions in both the January and summer transfer windows will be crucial if they hope to reclaim their status as title contenders in the coming seasons.