Manchester City have already made a huge splash this summer with the signing of Erling Haaland, and now, the Premier League champions are reportedly interested in Bukayo Saka.
According to the Daily Mail, the English giants have stepped up their interest in the Arsenal superstar, with Liverpool also keen on signing Saka with the 20-year-old yet to sign a new contract with the north London side.
As per the report, though, either City or Liverpool are expected to make a move for Saka this summer, with Arsenal likely to ward off any interest or offers for their ace attacker with efficient ease, though Pep Guardiola’s interest in the England international does raise an interesting question.
With Haaland set to lead the line for City next season, what could their starting XI look like should the Manchester side also sign Saka this summer, and who else will feature in the side if the transfer is completed?
Aymeric Laporte retains backline spot as Joao Cancelo starts at left-back
Manchester City had one of the best defences in the Premier League last season, and it’s no surprise that our backline is largely unchanged from what Guardiola fielded in the 2021/22 campaign.
Whilst the Cityzens could do with some depth in the fullback positions, Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker are still one of the best partnerships in the Premier League, with the Portuguese international, in particular, enjoying a sensational campaign.
As for the centre-backs, Aymeric Laporte reclaimed his starting position last season and formed an incredible duo with Ruben Dias, with the pair dominating any and all attacks in the Premier League, with Ederson Moraes the unrivalled no. 1.
Rodri anchors the midfield alongside Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne
Just like the defence, Manchester City’s midfield hardly throws out any surprises with Rodri arguably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League last season as the Spaniard impressed on numerous occasions for Guardiola’s side.
With Kevin De Bruyne ageing like a fine wine and Bernardo Silva laying down the gauntlet as potentially the most talented player in the City squad, the Blue Moon midfield is of course unchanged and still one of the best in Europe.
Just like with the fullbacks, though, some depth in the position could be needed, especially with Fernandinho leaving at the end of this month as well as the future of Ilkay Gundogan up in the air, with Arsenal reportedly interested in the German international.
Erling Haaland leads the line with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden
Phil Foden, Haaland, Saka. If Football Manager was a front-three, it would hands down be what could actually be Manchester City’s leading line if the Premier League side can land the Arsenal superstar in the future.
Where do we even start when discussing this potential trio? Foden enjoyed yet another incredible season with City, and whilst his role saw the England star play a deeper role, the 21-year-old has enjoyed his best football out on the left, which could be a joy to watch with Haaland leading the line.
No striker could be more perfect for what City needed that the Norwegian. And if Haaland can hit the ground running in the Premier League, Guardiola’s side will never have to worry about silverware again, especially if Saka joins the fray out on the right.
The Arsenal star enjoyed his best season yet, a much-needed redemption arch following the heartbreak of Euro 2020. And at City and under Guardiola, Saka could take his already world-class quality to a whole new level.
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