Manchester City have ended their pursuit of Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal and will not meet is €75m release clause, say Diario AS.
It is claimed that City had feared the prospect of losing Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich for a similar fee and are willing to immediately reinvest this summer on the Spain international – but Sane now looks set to stay at City.
Oyarzabal has hit 25 goals in La Liga across the past two seasons with his impressive level of performances earning him his first cap for the Spanish national side – in the victory over Sweden in June.
The 22-year-old starred for his nation’s Under-21 side in their European Championships triumph this summer and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the country.
The Basque club are said to be fearful of such a deal as they wish to retain the striker’s services under any circumstance but would be powerless should his release clause be activated.
Oyarzabal has a long-term contract with the club until 2024 and is said to be very happy at the club but could be tempted with a move to the English champions.
