How new-look Man City could line up on the first day of next season with two signings
Manchester City could be set for a year of transition if Pep Guardiola bolsters his squad in the January and summer transfer windows – so how could City line up on the first day of the 2020/21 season?
Man City: Ben Chilwell would be a 'good move' says Robson
Manchester City have had a below-par start to the Premier League season with the reigning champions currently trailing table-toppers Liverpool by eight points.
Leroy Sane suffered a cruciate ligament tear during the Community Shield victory over Liverpool in August, while Aymeric Laporte picked up a similar issue shortly after in the league win over Brighton.
John Stones, Kevin de Bruyne and Benjamin Mendy have also been absent at times this term, while David Silva is due to depart at the end of the season – so which new arrivals could reinforce the starting XI in 2020/21?
Nicolas Otamendi has failed to shine in the absence of Stones and Laporte while midfielder Fernandinho has been deployed alongside the Argentine at times this season.
Ake is considered one of the leading central defenders outside the ‘top six’, having joined Bournemouth permanently in 2017 following a successful loan move from Chelsea, and is also attracting attention from Tottenham.
The Dutchman could potentially cost anywhere between £40m-£80m so Inter Milan ace Milan Skriniar or Benfica youngster Ruben Dias may be cheaper options.
Man City transfer news: Pep Guardiola is expected to bolster his squad before the 2020/21 campaign (Image: GETTY•buildlineup.com)
Man City transfer news: Nathan Ake is a January transfer target (Image: GETTY)
Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
City were reportedly monitoring Chilwell ahead of a proposed move last summer, although a deal failed to materialise.
Guardiola has been vocal in his admiration of the Leicester full-back, who will offer more defensive solidity than Mendy, Oleksandr Zinchenko or Angelino.
On the other flank, Joao Cancelo will hope to have established himself ahead of Kyle Walker in the pecking order with Guardiola already starting to rotate the duo for Premier League matches.
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Man City transfer news: Guardiola is said to admire Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell (Image: GETTY)
The Spaniard’s vast experience will be missed, with Silva having helped City win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups during his time at the club, although his namesake Bernardo has all the talent to seamlessly step into his shoes.
Ilkay Gundogan is also a currently underused option while Phil Foden must start earning regular appearances soon, so Guardiola does not need to dip into the transfer market for a new midfielder just yet.
Sane, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez will continue to rotate out wide but next season may finally be Gabriel Jesus’ chance to oust 31-year-old Sergio Aguero as City’s main striker.
Man City transfer news: Is this how Guardiola's side will line up next season? (Image: buildlineup.com)
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How Manchester City could look on the first day of the 2020/21 season
(4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Ake, Laporte, Chilwell; Rodri, De Bruyne, B. Silva; Sane, Sterling, Jesus