Sunday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Ruben Dias, Houssem Aouar, Jules Kounde

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.

The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Sunday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Houssem Aouar 'agrees to join Arsenal this summer'

© Reuters

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal during this summer's transfer window.

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few weeks, with the Gunners seemingly identifying him as their leading target in the middle of the park.

Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest, although it is understood that there has not been a concrete offer from any of those three clubs.

According to Telefoot, Aouar has given up hope of joining Juve or Barca this summer and will move to Arsenal providing that the London giants can agree a fee with Lyon.

The Gunners are thought to have made an offer of between €35m (£32m) and €40m (£36.5m) for the Frenchman, but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Ligue 1 club want €60m (£55m)

Aouar was in impressive form for Les Gones during the 2019-20 campaign, contributing nine goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.

Sevilla expecting improved Jules Kounde bid from Manchester City?

© Reuters

Sevilla reportedly expect Manchester City to continue with their efforts to sign centre-back Jules Kounde.

On Friday afternoon, reports emerged that the Premier League giants had turned their attention to Benfica's Ruben Dias, with discussions said to have taken place between the relevant parties.

However, ESPN claims that Sevilla are awaiting further contact from City regarding their interest in Kounde.

The report suggests that the Europa League winners are expecting City to up their initial bid for the Frenchman, which was allegedly just below £50m.

Although Sevilla would prefer to retain the services of the 21-year-old, they may be open to a sale if City are prepared to pay over £60m.

That figure is similar to what Pep Guardiola is reportedly happy to spend on Portugal international Dias.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester City 'open talks over £50m Ruben Dias deal'
Manchester City begin talks with Benfica over a £50m deal for central defender Ruben Dias, according to a report. Read more.

Manchester City target Ruben Dias hints at Benfica exit
Benfica defender Ruben Dias seems to confirm his imminent departure from the Portuguese giants amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. Read more.