Man City 'close' to finalising two major signings

Manchester City are closing in on the signings of free agents Vivianne Miedema and Risa Shimizu, according to reports.

Gareth Taylor’s side face a significant summer this year after they narrowly fell short in the WSL title race last season. Despite looking the clear favourites to end Chelsea’s reign in the latter stages of the campaign, the west Londoners clinched the trophy on the final day to make it five league titles on the bounce.

City’s mounting injuries, including to star striker Khadija Shaw, was ultimately their downfall at the business end of the season. Now, it seems they are wasting no time in strengthening their ranks ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested WSL campaign next term.

According to Sky Sports, City are close to finalising the signing of Miedema on a free transfer from Arsenal. The WSL record goalscorer departed the north London club at the end of last season after the Gunners opted against renewing her contract, a decision that was highly criticised by large sections of the club’s supporter base.

90min revealed last month that City were the frontrunners to sign Miedema after the expiry of her contract. The addition of Miedema will be a major coup for Taylor’s side as they already boast some of the best attacking talent in the division.

The report from Sky Sports also claims City have agreed to sign Japan defender Risa Shimizu on a free transfer from West Ham. The 28-year-old was the Hammers’ first choice right back last term, but the club confirmed last week she will be a free agent this summer following the expiration of her contract.

Shimizu is likely to compete with Dutch defender Kerstin Casparij for the right back spot at the Joie Stadium; the 23-year-old signed a three-year contract when she joined the club in 2022 to replace the Barcelona-bound Lucy Bronze.