Manchester City will be looking to win a fifth consecutive Premier League title next season
Manchester City ended their 2023/24 season in disappointment after losing the FA Cup final and will be eager to bounce back as soon as possible.
Pep Guardiola’s side did secure a fourth Premier League title in a row, becoming the first side in English top-flight history to do so, though Arsenal will be ready to compete again next term under Mikel Arteta.
It remains to be seen who Guardiola chooses to bring to the club this summer in a bid to improve the squad, with little room for upgrades on current options.
There is also the inevitable scenario of outgoings to consider, which could leave the Citizens in a position whereby they are forced to spend big to bolster their options. Below is the latest gossip on the Sky Blues as the countdown begins to 2024/25.
Rodrygo linked
City are being linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid forward, Rodrygo.
The 23-year-old has been a key player for Los Blancos this term, scoring 17 times and providing nine assists to help his club to La Liga and Spanish Super Cup glory. His goals have also fired the club to the final of the Champions League, which came at the expense of City. Rodrygo was on target during both legs of the quarter-final tie involving the two teams.
A report by Spanish publication Marca has claimed that the Sky Blues have the former Santos star ‘in its sights’ though Real are said to be ‘very calm’ about the situation.
It is added the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappe has made many clubs ‘begin to look at some of the players’ in the Madrid squad and City ‘can be seen’.
MEN says: “This would certainly be a coup for City if they are able to pull off a deal for the jet-heeled forward, who has shown his ability for all to see in recent times. It is likely competition will come from other top European clubs, making this a transfer that will be difficult but not impossible to pull off.”
Rodrygo praises City
Remaining on the topic of Rodrygo, the Brazil international has conducted an in-depth interview with GQ and was full of praise for City.
His side may well have progressed on penalties to reach the final four of this year’s Champions League, ending hopes of back-to-back European glory for Guardiola, but Rodrygo has admitted the Sky Blues were superior and are the standout side in world football.
“To be honest, we knew they were better,” he remarked. “For me, it’s the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football. I think the toughest opponent is gone, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy now to win the final. With Bayern, it was very difficult and with Borussia, it will be very difficult as well.”
MEN says: “Given the above links with Rodrygo, these quotes certainly make for interesting reading. Acknowledging Real rode their luck to knock City out of the Champions League is one thing, but calling them the best team in world football is another. Perhaps this deal may not be as challenging as first feared?”