Transfer Centre

Manchester City targeting three big-money summer transfers?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 07 March 2023

Man City targeting three big-money summer transfers?

Manchester City are reportedly planning to make three big-money signings in the summer transfer window, with Jude Bellingham and Josko Gvardiol both on their radar.

Manchester City are reportedly planning to make three big-money signings in the summer transfer window.

A major squad overhaul was experienced at the Etihad Stadium last summer, with the Citizens making a net profit of close to £20m following the high-profile sales of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while a host of academy prospects also left on permanent deals.

Pep Guardiola's strengthened his squad with five new additions, with Erling Braut Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Manuel Akanji and Sergio Gomez all brought in for close to £120m, while Stefan Ortega joined on a free transfer.

Despite their busy summer window, Man City remain in the hunt to retain the Premier League title this term, although they currently sit five points behind league leaders Arsenal with 12 games remaining.

While the title race remains high on the agenda, along with progression in the FA Cup and Champions League, Man City are believed to be already exploring ways in which they can bolster Guardiola's squad for next season.

Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham pictured on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, "many movements" are expected during an "important" summer transfer market for Man City.

Romano adds that the Citizens will likely target a new centre-back, midfielder and winger ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, with Jude Bellingham and Josko Gvardiol both high on their list of priorities.

Bellingham has developed into a star player for Borussia Dortmund since joining the club in 2020, recording 20 goals and 24 assists in 121 games across all competitions, and his performances have caught the attention of several top European clubs including Man City.

The 19-year-old is set to become one of the most sought-after midfielders this summer, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid also keen to win the race for his signature.

Man City could step up their pursuit of Bellingham if Ilkay Gundogan decides to leave when his contract expires this summer, although they may be required pay a club-record fee to lure the Englishman away from Dortmund, who are keen to keep hold of the £132m-rated midfielder for "as long as possible".

Josko Gvardiol celebrates scoring for RB Leipzig on February 22, 2023 © Reuters

As for Gvardiol, the Croatian defender's stock has significantly risen since moving from Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig in 2021, having starred for club and country over the last few seasons.

The 21-year-old – who helped Croatia finish third at the 2022 World Cup – has made 75 appearances in all tournaments for Leipzig, scoring four goals including the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Man City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie last month.

Romano claims that Guardiola is a 'big fan' of Gvardiol, although the Citizens will likely face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea to recruit the left-footed defender, who is under contract with Leipzig until 2027.

The potential addition of Gvardiol at Man City could allow Aymeric Laporte to leave the Etihad, with the Spain international allegedly open to seeking pastures new in search of regular first-team football amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, the Citizens' search for a winger could see them swoop for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League.

Milan, however, are desperate to keep hold of the 23-year-old, who has contributed with 23 goals and 22 assists in 74 appearances for the Rossoneri since the start of last season.