Even though Manchester City are sitting atop the table after 7 games, the Blues are ready to hand over another £150 million to Pep Guardiola to increase their quality
It really seems to be the case that money is no object for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
Even with the Blues sitting at the top of the Premier League table through 7 matches, they have already decided that they are ready to hand new manager Pep Guardiola another £150 million to complete his dream team. The club already shelled out £175 million last window on a couple of big signings. This isn’t sufficient for the League favorites, though, as the club is ready to pull out the checkbook again in January.
The consensus within the club is that they need another window to reach their transfer market goals. They want to be able to play the high-tempo, pressing style that Guardiola has built his reputation on. Guardiola is convinced they need a couple more pieces to the puzzle in order to accomplish this successfully. If all goes according to their plan, Manchester City see themselves becoming the best club side in Europe, and maybe in history.
Let’s take a look at the top of Guardiola’s wish list:
1. Hector Bellerin
The first player the Guardiola is looking to bring in is Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin. The right back has been highly rated by Guardiola, and is valued around £40 million by The Mirror. The 21-year-old’s speed and ability on the ball have attracted looks from all over, but he would fit right into the City system. He can get up and down the wing easily and can contribute a lot offensively as a right back. Also, with both full-backs for City (Zabaleta, Kolarov) on the wrong side of 30, Guardiola wants to upgrade the position.
2. Leonardo Bonucci
The Juventus center-back is also a top target for Guardiola, though this one might cost him more than anticipated. With Premier League rivals Chelsea also looking for a his signature, they might have to shell out more than the £60 million he is valued at. Bonucci, who would come in as a partner to recent signing John Stones, would be a solid guy to help anchor the defense. As a part of a back line that has secured 4 straight Serie A titles, the 29-year-old would be a reliable veteran presence on the right side of 30 unlike Vincent Kompany.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Borussia Dortmund striker is the final guy on Guardiola’s wish list. Gaurdiola is familiar with the striker as he managed against him while he was at Bayern. The striker, valued at £50 million, would provide strength in a key area. City do not have much depth up top ( only Aguero and Iheanacho) so bringing the 27-year-old would bolster the attack. While the attack is already very scary, having Aubameyang as well would make the City front line terrifying.
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All of these players will be tough to pry from their respective teams as they are pivotal for the squad’s success. It will be especially difficult to snatch Bellerin from a League rival, but if City are already throwing out numbers like £150 million three months away from the first 2017 transfer window, anything could happen. Truthfully, only time will tell how successful Guardiola and City are in their transfer quest. More immediately, Guardiola needs to focus on delivering success with the players he has right now. The Blues are still at the top of the table, and he needs to focus on keeping them there.