Media outlets around the world have packed their pages with transfer gossip, with rumours of bids and agreements flying around all over the place. See for yourself…
According to the Telegraph, the Blues are set to win the race to capture John Stones by offering £50million for his services.
Matt Law states: “New City manager Pep Guardiola has earmarked Stones as a key part of his revolution and his determination to get the 22-year-old was strengthened by Aymeric Laporte’s decision to stay at Athletic Bilbao.
“Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea have also been chasing Stones, but City are confident that their willingness to spend so big on the England international has effectively made it a one-horse race for his signature.
“City also believe Stones has already made his mind up that he wants to move to the Etihad, with sources in the England camp claiming it was an open secret during Euro 2016.
“City are likely to start the bidding at under £50m, but have not balked at the idea of eventually going that high to get their man.”
Elsewhere, the Manchester Evening News report Guardiola has made a bid of £12.4million for Torino right-back Bruno Peres.
Writes James Robson: “Gazzetta dello Sport claim the offer was immediately rejected by the Serie A club, who are also fielding interest from Watford for their highly-rated Brazilian.
“As revealed by MEN Sport last month, Pep Guardiola wants to address both full-back positions.
“Pablo Zabaleta is expected to leave the Etihad this summer, with Roma now leading the chase for the Argentine.”
The same source also say Galatasaray are keen on Wilfried Bony.
Meanwhile, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has dubbed Nolito ‘an ideal fit’ for City.
Quoted in an article on Sky Sports’ website, he declares: “As you know, the style that he [Guardiola] decides to produce needs a particular type of player and Nolito fits into that role perfectly well.
“Playing on the left-hand side of the attack, for instance, he knows the system because he has of course been at Barcelona.
“So he knows when he has to dribble, when he has to go, when he has cross, when he has to pressure. He knows all that, so it will not be new to him.
“So those of you who may expect, because it is Man City, the biggest names in the world, you have to realise that for Pep Guardiola’s system, he needs a particular type of player. And as I say, Nolito fits that perfectly.
“I am sure he will need [a period of adjustment to the Premier League], like the type of clashes you get in the Premier League, the intensity of the Premier League.
“Because he was playing at Celta, which when it worked well was a team that was very intense both with and without the ball.”
Bacary Sagna has also expressed his delight with the new signing. His comments feature in the M.E.N as he told press: “He’s going to bring a lot to the team.
“He has some qualities and technique that are superior to other players. He has had a very good season and did an excellent Euro with Spain.
“He signed for a reason and I am very pleased about this.”
The defender has also shared his thoughts on France’s Euro 2016 clash with Iceland, insisting Les Bleus are wary. This story’s in the Daily Mail.
He asserted: “We certainly do not underestimate Iceland but we belong to the best sides in Europe. We’re among the favourites and we’re at home.
“We have a status to live up to. When we see how the people in the fan zones celebrate when we score a goal, it warms our hearts. We just can’t let them down.”
And that’s a wrap. Enjoy Cityzens Weekend, whether you’ll be there in body or spirit and as always, let us know your thoughts on all things City by tweeting us @ManCity.
