It has been reported that there are two areas of the pitch where Manchester City intend to bolster their squad.
City’s intention is to sign understudies to Rodri and Erling Haaland during the summer transfer window, as per The Athletic.
However, the report emphasises that Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to sign a midfielder and a striker that bring experience to the side, are cost-effective signings and do not expect to play week in and week out.
A majority of players around the world would potentially dread the idea of being understudies to either Rodri or Haaland.
A transfer to the Etihad Stadium is a dream move for any player in Europe and as a result, they would desire playing as many minutes as possible to showcase their talent on the highest level.
For Manchester City, finding a solution to the holes in their squad might have been a challenge due to this very factor.
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However, with time being of the essence as the summer transfer window is drawing towards a close, City will have to ramp their efforts up.
Ultimately, their rivals in England and across Europe will not be resting on their laurels.
As a result, it is important for the Sky Blues to ensure their summer business keeps them a step ahead of the rest.
A move that could certainly ensure that is the case is Manchester City’s move for Ilkay Gundogan.
Fabrizio Romano has attached his signature catchprase, “Here We Go” to the much-discussed rumours surrounding Gundogan and his return to City.
Romano has revealed that the English giants have struck an agreement to sign the German midfielder on a free transfer in the past 48 hours after “positive talks.”
As Rodri admitted to Gundogan being “underrated” during the PFA awards on Tuesday, he is now expected to join Manchester City on a one-year contract until June 2025.
Ilkay Gundogan could be the signing that gives Man City the edge over Arsenal
Guardiola admitted Arsenal are City’s main title rivals while also naming other sides in the Premier League such as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
With Gundogan looking set to return to Manchester City, it certainly gives them the edge over Mikel Arteta’s side in the race for the coveted crown.
The 33-year-old was a fulcrum of the Sky Blues’ side that usurped Arsenal in the title race during the 2022/2023 season.
Gundogan’s ability to deputise for Rodri as a number six while also playing across every position in midfield makes this Manchester City side even stronger; which should be a worry for the Gunners.
The Barcelona maestro’s experience, penchant for coming up clutch, versatility, leadership and most importantly, his winning experience is a massive bonus for City’s dressing room; a quality Arsenal’s young side lacks.
If Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s sides title prospects could not be split before, Gundogan’s potential arrival might have tipped the scales in the reigning champions’ favour.
