Man City push ahead with RM1.4b spending spree

LONDON: Manchester City are pushing ahead with a £250million (RM1.4 billion) spree to give manager Pep Guardiola the resources to challenge in four competitions next season.

City have already signed Bernardo Silva from Monaco for £43m and expect to wrap up a £33m deal for Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes yesterday.

Guardiola is also interested in Silva’s former team-mates, defender Benjamin Mendy and striker Kylian Mbappe, although the latter’s £113m valuation means that City are unlikely to compete with Real Madrid unless the price comes down.

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and Tottenham fullback Kyle Walker are among City’s other targets as chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak looks forward to a ‘massive year’ for the club.

Although the Etihad chief accepts it will be difficult for Guardiola to compete on four fronts – Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup – he believes City should aim high after another barren campaign.

In his end-of-season review, Al Mubarak said: “You mentioned the Double, no I want to do the Treble, or else let’s go for the Quadruple! Why not?”

As Guardiola continues to overhaul his squad, more players will leave the Etihad.

Nolito is in talks to rejoin Celta Vigo and Enes Unal is close to agreeing a £12.5m move to Villarreal.

Ederson’s arrival has confirmed that Joe Hart’s City days are over, but the England goalkeeper wants assurances of first-team football at his next club after a season on loan at Torino.

Hart is aiming to be a No 1 ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Daily Mail