City set for another spending spree in January window
London: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is plotting a £150mil (RM772mil) January overhaul, with three big names topping his list.
The Spaniard – not content on splashing £175mil (RM901mil) this summer – is hoping to land Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Leonardo Bonucci and Hector Bellerin as he gets to grip with his new squad.
Guardiola – fresh from his trophy-laden spell at Bayern Munich – brought in players such as John Stones, Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan in a summer where money was seemingly no object.
It appeared to have paid instant dividends as City got off to an incredible 100% start after six English Premier League games.
Yet following their 2-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham last weekend, it appears Guardiola is not 100% certain regarding the options at his disposal.
The Spanish chief – who also masterminded massive success at La Liga giants Barcelona – wants to bring his close-pressing, high-tempo style of play to Eastlands.
However, Pep knows that will take time, with the City hierarchy willing to hand him the funds to get it done within the next two transfer windows.
Sergio Aguero is without doubt one of the best strikers in the Premier League, but when injured City have found themselves somewhat goal-shy, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Nolito solid back-up options, but not line-leaders.
Therefore, Guardiola has turned his attention to Borussia Dortmund star Aubameyang, whose pace and finishing ability have seen him courted by a host of European giants.
The Gabon international could set the club back at least £50mil (RM257mil), with Juventus centreback Bonucci also on Guardiola’s radar, given the lack of depth in the heart of defence, particularly with the persistent injuries suffered by Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal’s flying fullback Bellerin is the third man on Guardiola’s wish-list, as he looks to add some speed and youth to one of City’s weaker areas in the decline of Pablo Zabaleta.
Guardiola may not have it all his own way however, with the Gunners particularly keen to keep hold of their Spanish star.
They have offered him a lucrative five-year deal in a bid to ward off teams such as City and Barcelona.
Juventus have also followed suit with their star defender, Bonucci, offering him a new contract in a bid to tempt him to stay in Serie A. — The Sun, London