Manchester City's first set of transfer plans ahead of the summer of 2023 have now emerged, amid the signing of Pep Guardiola to a fresh two-year contract extension.
The summer window of 2022 was one of significant change for Etihad officials, with a number of both arrivals and departures from the Etihad Stadium.
The most high profile arrival came in the form of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, who cost City his release clause which stood at a relatively modest £51 million.
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While there were a number of major departures from Manchester City - including the likes of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to Chelsea and Arsenal respectively - things could have been much more severe.
Bernardo Silva has been a long-standing wantaway member of Pep Guardiola's first team squad, however his most prevalent suitor in FC Barcelona could not stump up the required transfer fee requested by negotiators at the Premier League giants.
Nevertheless, the warning signs have appeared, and as such, his position is likely to be a major priority when it comes to recruitment for next summer - as a new report has revealed.
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According to the information of Jack Gaughan at the Mail, Manchester City are expected to back manager Pep Guardiola in the transfer market next summer.
It is further detailed that the reigning Premier League champions will make finance available for the purchase of a face in the central midfield position.
City are well aware that there are uncertain futures concerning a number of their midfield personnel, although a refresh has widely been called for in a position that is so integral to the success of a Pep Guardiola system.
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One name that will now likely see his future at the Etihad Stadium is Ilkay Gundogan.
The Germany international - who opened his country's account on a goalscoring front at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday - suggested last week that his situation at the club is dependent on the future of the team's Catalan head coach.
Gundogan's current City contract is set to expire following the conclusion of the ongoing campaign, although talks are expected to take place in the coming weeks to establish the player's intentions following the international tournament in Qatar.
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The Mail additionally report that Borussia Dortmund and England rising star Jude Bellingham is among the central midfielders that Manchester City are 'monitoring'.
However, officials within the Etihad Stadium remain 'wary of the pulling power' of both Real Madrid and fellow English top-flight rivals Liverpool.
Manchester City are set to take on Liverpool in the coming weeks when domestic football returns following the World Cup.
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Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp's men are due to face off in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, at the Etihad Stadium on 22 December.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football
Freddie Pye