The buildup to 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 campaign so far.
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:
Paul Merson urges Arsenal to sign Manchester City's John Stones
© Reuters
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to move for Manchester City defender John Stones this summer.
The Englishman has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola this term and has been tipped to depart the Etihad ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
Indeed, Stones has turned out just 15 times in the Premier League this season, and Merson believes that Stones would flourish under Mikel Arteta following their time together at City.
"Mikel Arteta has no chance of getting the money he needs out of Arsenal," Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star.
"They could spend £200m and still not make the Champions League next season because the gap is so big. They need a centre-back, a central midfielder and another striker. The whole spine of the team really.
"And I think he might go for John Stones at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola doesn't seem to trust him, and Arteta has worked with him before.
"Arsenal need an out and out defender, not another David Luiz who knows how to play the ball out from the back but makes a lot of mistakes.
"But Stones is English, young enough to improve, and Arteta will know all about him and know he fits into the system."
Stones was left on the bench for Man City's FA Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal, where a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace saw Arteta's men knock out the current holders on Saturday evening to reach the final.
Mikel Arteta: 'Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already convinced about Arsenal future'
© Reuters
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a match-winning brace to beat Manchester City and seal Arsenal's place in the FA Cup final – and head coach Mikel Arteta hopes such nights can convince the forward to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory over holders City to reach a record 21st FA Cup final after Aubameyang struck in either half as Pep Guardiola's side proved profligate in front of goal.
Fine displays throughout the team ensured a win against the odds for Arteta's side, who also beat new Premier League champions Liverpool three days ago.
Aubameyang was rested for that game but returned to the side at Wembley with devastating effect, a fine first-half finish added to with a coolly taken second with 20 minutes remaining.
The 31-year-old is out of contract next summer and is yet to agree fresh terms as Arsenal languish 10th in the Premier League.
But Arteta feels the Gabon international is more likely to be tempted into signing an extension if the club can continue to put in such displays.
"Good and beautiful moments, they are always better than the bad ones," Arteta said.
"As I told you, the way I look at him when I speak with him, he sounds pretty convinced.
"But obviously if he can see that success and the direction we are taking is the right one, I think he will be more positive about it, yes.
"Hopefully it will help him to be more convinced we are going in the right direction."
Arsenal – who will face either Chelsea or Manchester United in the final on August 1 – could still sneak into Europe through the league given their surprise win over all-conquering Liverpool.
"We are really happy with what has happened in the last four or five days," added former City assistant Arteta.
"To beat probably the best two teams in Europe is the nicest thing to do so credit to the players for what they are doing, their performances and the level of fight they are showing."
PEP 💬 We didn't make a good performance, we were not ready enough. If you don't play for 90mins in a semi-final this can happen. We didn't play good, we are human beings. The opponent played good, sometimes it happens.
🔵 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/SpxAk2oOnf
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 18, 2020
While City surrendered their Premier League title and can no longer retain the FA Cup, they did keep hold of the Carabao Cup and still have a chance of winning the Champions League.
Guardiola, however, has warned his players they will need to be better than they were in defeat here if they are to advance past Real Madrid – who they meet in Manchester in the second-leg of their round of 16 clash next month.
"We struggled to play at our level. It doesn't take a genius to realise we have to raise our standards against Madrid if we want to have any chance to go through," he said, despite his side holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg.
"I don't have to tell them, they have to know it – we felt it.
"We know the standards that we have to be at in these kind of competitions and maybe we will learn it, maybe not.
"The last game against Bournemouth was not good and today the first half was not good."
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Manchester City 'in talks for 17-year-old Brazilian starlet Diego Rosa'
Manchester City are reportedly in talks to sign 17-year-old Brazilian midfielder Diego Rosa, who currently plays for Gremio Under-20s. Read more.
Liverpool, Manchester City 'to battle for Diego Carlos'
Liverpool and Manchester City are ready to lock horns for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, according to a report. Read more.
Manchester City 'refuse to pay more than £32m for Ferran Torres'
Manchester City are not prepared to pay more than £32m for Valencia attacker Ferran Torres this summer, according to a report. Read more.
