As the summer transfer window officially opens today (Friday), Manchester City have already made a head-start on their summer business.
The Blues will of course have Erling Haaland arriving at the Etihad this summer, with the Borussia Dortmund striker set to complete his move at the start of July. With the window now open until September 1, there’s plenty of time for City to add to the Norwegian superstar.
And plenty of names have already been touted as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his squad ahead of another title challenge next season. MEN Sport has taken a look at five players that the bookmakers are linking with moves to the Etihad this summer:
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Marc Cucurella – 2/5
City will almost certainly be in the market for a new left-back this summer, having spent the season with Joao Cancelo filling in. While the Portuguese international performed more than admirably, Guardiola will be eager to get him back over on his natural right side.
Cucurella is being heavily linked with a move to the Etihad. The Spain international was one of Brighton’s standout players in his debut season on the south coast, and he would fit the bill perfectly for the Blues.
Kalvin Phillips – 4/6
With Fernandinho departing this summer, the search is on to find a successor to the Brazilian. While Rodri has enjoyed a superb season, City will need at least an able deputy to rotate with him when needed.
Despite Leeds managing to stay up, Phillips is being heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road. Reports suggest City are ready to test Leeds’ resolve as they ramp up their interest over the next week.
Jude Bellingham – 6/1
Certainly one of the most exciting prospects in football at the moment, Bellingham has the potential to become a Premier League legend should he return to these shores soon. At just 18, he’s still a long way away from reaching his peak.
Liverpool remain the favourites ahead of City for his signature at 2/1. With Borussia Dortmund having waved goodbye to Haaland already though, it’s perhaps unlikely we’ll see Bellingham until at least next summer.
Youri Tielemans – 8/1
A name that perhaps hasn’t crossed the minds of City fans all that much, Tielemans is nevertheless being tipped for a potential move to the Etihad. The Belgium international has been teasing an exit from Leicester for some time, and this summer could be his opportunity to move on.
Arsenal are the odds-on favourites to secure his services though, with the Gunners at 8/11, while Manchester United are at 6/1. With some doubts lingering over Ilkay Gundogan’s future though, Tielemans could still prove to be an option for City.
Declan Rice – 9/1
The race for Rice looks set to rumble on for some time, especially with West Ham in no mood to let him go on the cheap. Whoever does eventually land the midfielder may have to shell out upwards of £100million if the Hammers get their way.
United and Chelsea remain the favourites for his signature at 3/1 and 5/1 respectively. With Phillips odds on for a move to the Etihad, City might well find themselves drifting further in the odds.
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