It didn’t take Pep Guardiola long to stamp his authority on the Manchester City team, bringing seven new faces to the Etihad Stadium in his first summer in charge.
The likes of John Stones, Leroy Sane, and Ilkay Gundogan have all made big money moves to the blue side of Manchester, and the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss is already reaping the rewards for his investment.
His City side sit top of the Premier League after the opening seven games, although their lead is now only one point after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Tottenham last weekend.
That performance at White Hart Lane should be of concern to Guardiola, and he may feel that more additions are needed in January.
City have been linked with a number of players in the last few months, but here are THREE that Guardiola could land in January…
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
The Borussia Dortmund man confirmed that talks took place between his father and Manchester City over the summer, but no deal ever materialised.
It’s hardly a surprise that Guardiola wants to bring the 27-year-old to the Etihad – he’s already netted seven times this season for the German side, adding to the 36 goals he scored last season for Thomas Tuchel’s team.
There have been further murmurings that Aubameyang remains a target for City, as well as for a number of top clubs in Europe – it’s sure to be a deal that Guardiola wants to get done in January.
Hector Bellerin
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Arsenal are trying to tie right-back Hector Bellerin down to an improved contract at the Emirates, amid interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.
The 21-year-old has improved year-on-year since breaking into Arsene Wenger’s first team, and looks set to go on and become one of the best full-backs in the country.
The young defender is reportedly keen on a move to City, and would provide healthy competition to full-backs Bacary Sagna, and Pablo Zabaleta, all of which are over 30.
Leonardo Bonucci
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
City expressed an interest in bringing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci to the Premier League in the summer, but the Italian club stood firm amid intense interest.
The 29-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football and, with Vincent Kompany’s increasing injury concerns, Guardiola may feel that he needs to strengthen that area.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to spend a world-record £60m on the Italian defender, which is likely to encourage a response from City, who can use their participation in the Champions League as a counter against their rivals.