Most of the names linked with moves to the Etihad are a case of ‘the usual suspects’, but with one or two different angles.
Let’s start with Brazil legend Pele, who has compared Gabriel Jesus with his compatriot Neymar in a recent interview.
The M.E.N carry the story…
“Speaking to Omnisport about Jesus’ instant impact, he said: ‘He’s a good player too. The same as Neymar, [but] he’s just started.
‘I think Neymar has a little more experience than him, but both have the same style of game.
‘But they are both two forwards that will give Brazil success in the future.”
On to transfer speculation and ESPN go in with a double whammy, suggesting City are tracking the long-time linked Pierre Emerick Aubameyang plus Dani Alves.
They report: “It’s been a while since Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been in the spotlight, but it’s time for him to stride to centre stage again.
“Aubameyang is wanted by Manchester City, according to Sky Sports, which says Pep Guardiola ‘is understood to be an admirer’ and adds that City are keeping a close eye on his situation.
“The £60 million-rated Gabon international has been strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain, but City could move quickly after concluding that he is one of ‘very few high-quality strikers on the market.’
“And there could even be another high-profile arrival to go with that, with Dani Alves having told Juventus he wants to go “amid interest from City,” the Guardian reports.
“It says Alves is eager to work with his former Barcelona boss Guardiola again, and his agent has made Juventus aware of his client’s desire to move on.”
Our last story of the day is another long-running affair, though the Daily Express suggests the player himself is keen on a move to the Blues.
They write: “Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez sees himself playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next season, reports claim
“Sanchez’s future at Arsenal is uncertain beyond this summer with his current deal expiring in 12 months.
“The Chile international is attracting interest from Europe’s elite after a stunning campaign that saw him score 30 goals across all competitions.
“Bayern Munich and Chelsea have been linked with moves for him, though Arsenal remain desperate for him to stay at the Emirates.
“However, their fifth-placed finish last term means the Gunners are unable to offer him Champions League football for next season.
“Transfer Market Web claim that a move to Bayern seems a long way off at present.
“And, as a result, the former Barcelona star supposedly sees himself wearing the sky blue of City next term.
“Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to let their star asset leave for a domestic rival.
“The likes of Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Adebayor have all jumped ship to the Etihad in the past decade, while the Gunners also lost Robin van Persie to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 2012.
“However, it is said that Arsenal could relent and let Sanchez join City. Guardiola is supposedly ready to offer him a salary worth £7.8million a year in order to convince him to move to Manchester.
“Speaking in April, the City manager lauded the Arsenal star and admitted it was no surprise that the world’s best clubs wanted to sign him.”
And that’s a wrap for today…
