Who will Manchester City sign this summer?

After winning the Premier League title, Manchester City players and staff went on much-needed holidays. They were short for Txiki Begiristain though, who is now back in Manchester to piece City’s squad together for next season.

The most important piece of business has been done, with the signing of Erling Haaland. The Norway international has been officially unveiled by the club. The next two positions to be filled are in midfield and at left-back.

Fernandinho has returned to Brazil after nine years of service at City. The former captain hopes to finish his career in his native country. Over the last two seasons, Spain international Rodrigo has emerged as his successor, becoming one of the key players in the side’s fourth league title in five years.

Kalvin Phillips

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is the player City are targeting for the central midfield role. Several academy players could be part of the deal. Belgian player Romeo Lavia and midfielder James McAtee have been considered at Elland Road, but the latter does not appear to be a viable option. In Manchester they want him to be in and around the first team.

There is another name on Begiristain’s radar. City want Marc Cucurella and the Catalan left-back wants to play under Guardiola.

Who is Cucurella?

Cucurella started out with the youth teams at Espanyol before joining Barcelona at underage level. He went on to have loan spells at Eibar and Getafe in LaLiga and eventually joined Getafe on a permanent deal from Barcelona in 2020.

The Spaniard was named player of the 2021-22 season at Brighton. He fits into what Guardiola wants to do in terms of style of play. Not only is he a threat in attack, but was the full-back who generated the most chances in open play in the Premier League last season. The 23-year-old was also second for most tackles in the league.

Brighton are aware of City’s interest and, according to The Athletic, are hoping to receive a similar fee to what Arsenal paid for Ben White, around €58 million. The Athletic reveals that Manchester City have no intention of going that high, but want to negotiate until a deal is done. If completed, Guardiola would have the option of fielding a natural left-back after having Joao Cancelo play in that position.

Jesus set to leave City

Oleksandr Zinchenko is one of three players who could leave City this summer. The Athletic claim Everton are interested in Zinchenko. Gabriel Jesus is another player who could leave the Etihad Stadium, with Arsenal being his main suitors.

Two players will finish their contracts with City next summer. While Riyad Mahrez is expected to remain in Manchester for the coming season, there are options to generate revenue by selling Raheem. Chelsea could be his new destination after seven years at the Etihad.