So an idea just popped into my head. Sergio Aguero. Hear me out before you push "ignore":
Can play striker/winger, and does some especially great work from the left.
Now for the gritty speculatory stuff: Lotta rumors for awhile he wasn't particularly happy in Manchester after his family left. London is closer to his family in Madrid, and it can also provide him with a great place to start anew. He may have been further unsettled as to his prospects on the pitch this year with the new incomings at striker and Dzeko's form and favor in preseason (in particular at about the time of this "offer"). He probably figured his dream move of Real Madrid wouldn't work out anytime soon with the impending Bale purchase, as well as probably being aware he wasn't the top target on their strikers wanted list anyway. Prices being touted about while Madrid was interested ranged did indeed from 40-50 mil. This move could fly under the radar as no one would have any idea he was available. City probably also didn't view us as direct rivals at the time (especially due to CL absence), so would be more willing to make this move happen under the radar, especially if we were willing to pay that much. Unanimous dancing and streaking of Spurs fans in streets? You betcha. And lastly, he is at a top CL-level club with an incoming South American coach, and so probably wanted to at least have a look.
Gotta admit, does fit in a few too many corners of the puzzle.
Where is the "Are you fucking mental?!" rating when you need it?