Manchester City have a tricky summer ahead, to fine-tune their squad without losing the quality which won them the league.
How can they elevate themselves to the level needed to go far in the Champions League?
Here are five suggestions of things they can do in the transfer market this summer, which won’t be earth-shattering to their squad, but should shake it up a bit.
Sign a top class winger
It’s fair to say Roberto Mancini is not entirely sold on Adam Johnson, and rumours persist that the player is looking for an exit this summer. He played well last season when given a chance, but his omission from England’s Euro 2012 club will tempt him elsewhere. Liverpool and Spurs will be among those interested, but first and foremost, City should look to bring in a new winger. Wide men Samir Nasri and David Silva both like to cut inside, and the club need an out and out winger to vary their attack further. An Arjen Robben or an Angel di Maria would be perfect, if City can strike a deal.
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Sell Tevez or Balotelli and sign a striker
Mancini was forced to deny this week that he attempted to off-load the pair to AC Milan, but doubts persist about their future after a storied season off the field as well as on it for the pair. It is unlikely City will sell both, but we expect one of them will leave the club this summer. Who should they bring in? City’s finances mean their options are limitless, with Llorente, Cavani, and Higuain among top names linked.
Throw in John Guidetti
City have to look to the future, and there is no better way to do that than to give first team opportunities to their best youth prospect. Swedish striker John Guidetti has had a terrific season on loan at Feyenoord scoring 20 goals, and surely deserves a chance back at City. He will inspire fellow youngsters in the club’s academy that they can break through, and he would be a huge bonus for the club if he can make an impact.
Sign Gennaro Gattuso
Owen Hargreaves was a failure at City, and this month rumours have circulated that Nigel de Jong will be off. Over in Italy there is talk that the pitbull that is Gennaro Gattuso will be available to sign from AC Milan, and the club should try for a short-term deal. He would add vital Champions League experience, and his physical style would make him suited to the Premier League. Of course he wouldn’t be a first choice, but he could become a vital squad member.
Make Eden Hazard a priority
There would be no better way to mix up City’s attack and put the rest of their star players on notice than signing Europe’s hottest young talent. Eden Hazard is seemingly destined to be among the biggest star of his generation, and City should do all they can to make sure he signs with them and not a rival. His unpredictability would shake up their attack, and increase the pressure for places, which will ensure everybody has to be at the top of their game.
What would you do if you were Mancini this summer?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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