Pep Guardiola’s side face Bournemouth later today as we look to make it 17 consecutive Premier League wins – but the back pages are dominated by talk of new arrivals.
Martin Blackburn, writing in the Sun, says City want to sign three players over the next 18 months in order to finalise Guardiola’s squad.
He says Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal tops the Club’s wishlist, with a defensive midfielder and a centre-back also high priorities.
“Pep Guardiola wants to sign Alexis Sanchez and two more players to complete his Manchester City revolution — but is happy to play a waiting game,” Blackburn writes.
“The Etihad boss’ transfer blueprint for the next 18 months involves bringing in one forward, one defensive midfielder and one centre-half.
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“But Fabian Delph’s outstanding form for the runaway Premier League leaders has persuaded Pep to ditch plans to sign another left-back.
“Sanchez is the attacking player City want, although Pep’s preference is to wait until the summer to land the Arsenal superstar.”
The Independent believe a centre-back is City’s main concern, with Miguel Delaney reporting that Virgil van Dijk could be targeted in January.
“Manchester City’s main transfer target this January will be a centre-half, with Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk currently the top option, although the club also want to sign a number-six and a forward - still likely Alexis Sanchez - over the next six months,” Delaney writes.
“Both Pep Guardiola and director of football Txiki Begiristain met with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak when the latter flew in at the weekend, sitting ahead of the 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur to talk about the next 18 months of planning.
“While their ongoing interest in Sanchez was discussed, it is understood that Guardiola is now no longer so intent on signing the Chilean this season, as he is content with the chemistry and integration of his attack.”
That’s all for this morning’s roundup. Stay with us throughout the day as we bring you live and comprehensive coverage of the game against Bournemouth.
