Manchester City are set for a transformative summer as the post-Pep Guardiola era begins, with the club making Elliot Anderson their primary transfer target. The Premier League champions have already seen two bids for the England international rejected by Nottingham Forest, the second worth a total of £120 million including £14 million in add-ons. Forest are holding out for a higher upfront fee, but there is optimism a deal can be reached.
Midfield Overhaul on the Horizon
Anderson's potential arrival would be the landmark signing of the summer, but City could add further reinforcements in midfield given the uncertainty surrounding the squad and the departure of Bernardo Silva. Rodri has one year remaining on his contract, and while City are keen for him to sign an extension, speculation links the 29-year-old with Real Madrid. Although the feeling is the Spain international will remain at the Etihad next season, an exit cannot be ruled out.
Questions also surround Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders, both relatively new arrivals who have not yet stamped their authority on the squad. It remains to be seen if City would entertain offers for either. Mateo Kovacic is in the final 12 months of his contract, and with a renewal unlikely, there could be a temptation to cash in on the Croatian veteran.
Potential Second Midfield Signing
This means a second midfield arrival at the Etihad is a possibility, with City keen on Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, among others. However, the departure of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle to Barcelona means Eddie Howe's side are less reliant on selling the Italy international, who would also command a sizeable fee. City are not interested in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, despite links to Enzo Maresca.
Defensive and Attacking Targets
Away from midfield, City are targeting a right-back to offer competition for Matheus Nunes, with any arrival expected to be a younger player capable of improving and challenging the Portugal international. Givairo Read from Feyenoord and Marco Palestra from Atalanta are players of interest. A winger is also on City's shortlist, particularly with a growing expectation that Savinho will complete a move to Tottenham, with Roberto De Zerbi's side keen on a £60 million move for the Brazil international.
Outgoings and Loan Moves
Any other transfer arrivals at City will depend on outgoings, with several players potentially heading for the exit. James Trafford will surely not want to spend another campaign as second choice, and the England international has been linked with Newcastle United in recent days. Rico Lewis could also depart, having struggled for match minutes last season. Nathan Ake, who has a year left on his deal, could consider his options, while Josko Gvardiol has been linked with a move, but there is no desire to sell the Croat, who spoke ahead of the World Cup of how happy he is at City. Omar Marmoush, currently at the World Cup with Egypt, struggled last season, and while the Blues are not actively looking to sell the forward, his long-term future is not certain.
Below the first team, there will be movement among fringe and young players. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has completed a move to German side Koln, having spent the second half of last season on loan with the Bundesliga outfit. Claudio Echeverri, Vitor Reis, Sverre Nypan, Max Alleyne, Juma Bah, and Stephen Mfuni could all depart on loan.
