After the incredible 2022-23 season that ended with winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City face some changes in the roster. Key players like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernard Silva And Kyle Walker may not be part of the roster next season for various reasons. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s team is expected to make some midfield changes with the flow as well Chelsea player Matthew Kovacic as someone who is expected to join the Citizens in the coming weeks. Let’s recap the latest transfer rumours:
Kovacic arrives
June 27 — City’s new number 8 has signed up just days after the man who previously donned the shirt, Gundogan, left for Barcelona. Kovacic has signed a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium after City agreed a £25 million deal with Chelsea, including a further £5 million in potential add-ons. The 29-year-old may not have a track record of the sort of goals Gundogan scored in the latter years of his City career, but Kovacic is as savvy midfielder as you can imagine and will certainly have no trouble adapting. fit the demands of Pep Guardiola. it.
“Joining this squad is really a dream for every footballer,” said Kovacic. “I still have a lot to learn and develop and I know that under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is very exciting for me. My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before returning to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”
Rice went to Arsenal
June 28: Arsenal finalize a deal with West Ham for Declan Rice worth £105 million after City pulled out of the running on Tuesday night. Arsenal came in with a £100 million guaranteed bid with a further £5 million in add-ons. The offer was not immediately rejected by West Ham, like the first two. The Hammers instead want the deal to be structured over the next two years and are now poised to secure their main goal.
June 27 — After several days of dialogue with West Ham, Manchester City formalized their interest in Rice with a bid worth an initial £80 million alongside a further £10 million in possible add-ons. Like a similar offer from Arsenal, which had slightly less guaranteed money but totaled up to £90 million, it was quickly rejected by West Ham. For all their wealth, City are not necessarily a team willing to overpay even for players in emergency positions and there are question marks over whether Rice is the player with Kovacic to replace Gundogan. However, the chance to deal a major blow to last season’s title rivals could tempt City to get involved in a bidding war with Arsenal. –James Benge
Ilkay Gundogan is coming to Barcelona
June 26 — After seven trophy-laden years in the North West of England, Gundogan made the one move he would have considered: he signed a two-year contract with Barcelona, including an option for a further 12 months. “If I were to move, only one club in the world would make sense,” Gundogan said in an article for the Players’ Tribune. “It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed of wearing that shirt one day. I am confident that I still have a few years left at the top level, and I just want to help Barcelona bring it back to where it is.” they deserve to be.” Gündogan, who will join his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Robert Lewandowski, was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia and Arsenal, but neither made a formal offer when it became clear he would be moving to Catalonia wanted — James Benge
City agree personal terms for Josko Gvardiol
24th of June — As City enter another year of defensive overhaul, talks begin between the club and RB Leipzig to reach an agreement on the talented Croatian centre-back. Kyle Walker’s future is up in the air with interest from Bayern Munich, so a mobile centre-back who can move into full-back depending on tactics would be a good move for Guardiola. Gvardiol won’t come cheap with Leipzig wanting more than €100 million, CBS Sports insider Fabrizio Romano reports, but it’s a price that could well be worth it for one of the best young defenders in the world. Only 21, developing under Guardiola would be a dream.
Saudi clubs on Bernardo Silva
June 22 — Spanish newspaper Brand has reported that Bernardo Silva is about to agree on a deal to move to Saudi Arabia. However, as Romano mentioned, the player has not yet made a final decision about his future. Paris Saint-Germain consider Bernardo a priority target, but Saudi clubs are now pushing to sign him. The Barca option is currently unlikely due to Financial Fair Play rules.
June 19 — Silva could also join the Saudi league. If David Ornstein reported that on Monday, the current Manchester City player has been offered a “lucrative Saudi opportunity”. There have been talks with player Jorge Mendes’ agent, but Bernardo Silva would rather play European football for the foreseeable future at this point. However, according to the report, all options are being considered as things stand.
Will Walker leave or stay?
June 19 — Despite interest from Bayern Munich insider CBS Fabrizio Romano revealed that Kyle Walker would also extend his deal with Manchester City and stay at the club. According to the report, this is still a valid possibility despite the interest of the German club which is also concrete. According to Sky GermanyBayern Munich is looking to finalize the deal in the coming days and is working towards an agreement with the English club for up to €30 million.