Man City transfers: Five players to sell this summer, including signing Guardiola completely misjudg
As they sit just a point off the top of the Premier League and prepare to face Real Madrid in the first leg of a mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final, Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Treble they won last season are alive and well.
And already rumours swirl over which players Pep Guardiola might add to his star-studded squad this summer to propel the back-to-back-to-back champions of England on to yet further glory. West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta is the latest name linked with a big-money switch to the Etihad.
But almost as big a part of City’s ability to sustain success as their spending in the transfer market is their readiness to move on from players no longer fulfilling a meaningful role within Guardiola’s team.
The departures of the likes of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte in recent seasons felt risky at the time, but hindsight quickly proved City had been savvy in knowing just when to sell to both maximise a financial return to fund further spending and to guard against complacency.
With that in mind, here are five players City should look to sell this summer.
Kalvin Phillips
Currently on loan at West Ham and struggling to win over fans at the London Stadium, the writing is on the wall for Phillips’ City future.
A bizarre signing even at the time, City paid £42 million to acquire the England midfielder from Leeds two years ago. Phillips had impressed in guiding his hometown club back to the top flight and helping them avoid relegation in their Premier League return. He had shown himself to be combative and disciplined in a holding midfield role, while also possessing the passing skills to influence play and the athleticism to spring forward and aid the attack when required.
But there was little about Phillips’ performances that suggested he could make a meaningful impact at arguably the best club side in the world. Signed to be a rotation option amid a heavy schedule of fixtures for a team competing for trophies on all fronts, bad injury luck and sub-par displays in the few opportunities he was afforded meant the 31-cap England international was unable even to attain that status.
City will almost certainly look to offload Phillips this summer, bringing to an end a spell with the club that included just two Premier League starts.
IN DEPTH – Top 10 most valuable on-loan players in the Premier League: Man Utd struggler, USMNT star, next Arsenal signing
Kyle Walker
One Yorkshireman who has enjoyed a much more successful time at the Etihad is Kyle Walker. But the full-back will be 34 before the end of the season and, after he came close to joining Bayern Munich last year, this summer might be the right time to bring to an end his glittering seven-year stint in sky blue.
For his consistent delivery from wide, the technical skills that allowed him to thrive under Guardiola in a system that demands more of its full-backs than most, his athleticism up and down the flank and he rapid speed in one-v-one duels with opposition wingers – not to mention his part in five league tiles, two FA Cups and Champions League triumph – there is a strong case to be made that Walker is the best right-back in Premier League history.
But his age, his apparent openness to playing overseas and the emergence of 18-year-old Rico Lewis mean City and Walker can part ways amicably and with the 82-cap England star’s status as an Etihad icon assured.
Matheus Nunes
After City hammered Sporting CP 5-0 in the first leg of a Champions League last-16 tie in 2022, Pep Guardiola hailed then-Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes as “one of the best players in the world”.
A year and a half later, City swooped to sign the Brazil-born Portugal international from Wolves – for whom he’d played for just one season – in a £53 million deal on transfer deadline day.
Shortly after Nunes arrived at the Etihad, Guardiola admitted that he had been mistaken and that the 25-year-old was not, in fact, of the world’s best.
“Maybe I overexaggerated a little bit,” he said. “He’s not. But he’s an exceptional player.”
The City boss might be minded to wind his statement back even further now, almost a full season into Nunes’ time with the club and with the former Wolves star having made very little impact for the Treble champions.
Except for a gruesome broken finger sustained against FC Copenhagen in the last round of the Champions League, Nunes has been relatively injury free this season. Yet in a campaign that has seen fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne limited to just seven Premier League starts, Nunes has hardly figured, starting just six league games.
It is not uncommon for new arrivals to require a season to bed in at City and acclimatise to Guardiola’s demands – that was the case for Jack Grealish after he signed from Aston Villa three years ago, for instance.
But with Paqueta a target and likely to cost in excess of £80 million, City might want to consider cutting their losses on Nunes before his value plummets further.
Joao Cancelo
Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo is still technically a City player, even though he has not played for the club in almost a year and a half.
Cancelo arrived at the Etihad from Juventus in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth £60 million. And his performances for Guardiola’s side in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 title-winning seasons appeared to mark him out as a long-term City star.
But he was loaned to Bayern Munich in last season’s January transfer window and he has spent the whole of 2023-24 out on loan again, this time with Barcelona.
The 29-year-old has started 23 of Barcelona’s 30 La Liga games so far this season, scoring twice and providing three assists. Whether his future beyond this term lies in Catalonia or elsewhere, east Manchester looks off the table. City should look to make any future move for Cancelo permanent.
Sergio Gomez
Signed from Anderlecht two summers ago to provide cover at left-back, former Spain under-21 international Sergio Gomez has never looked a qualitative fit for City.
Gomez had been Anderlecht’s Player of the Year in his final season with the club, scoring five goals and providing 12 assists in the Belgian top flight. His productivity has not survived the step up to the Premier League level, however, with just two assists to his name across two seasons.
This season, Gomez has made just four substitute’s appearances in the Premier League, for a total of 28 minutes.
The former Borussia Dortmund full-back is still only 23 and therefore will retain some value in the market. It’s time for City to find out exactly how much.
READ MORE: The 10 highest-paid players at Manchester City
Arsenal explode past Man Utd for Wolves star as Edu eyes £60m man as dream Declan Rice partner
Arsenal are to reportedly switch their transfer focus towards Wolves star Joao Gomes amid claims the Brazilian has been identified by Mikel Arteta and Edu as the ideal partner for Declan Rice in the Gunners midfield next season.
The north London giants are preparing for Tuesday’s massive Champions League quater-final first leg against Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening as they look to take a giant step towards their first appearance in the last four of competition since 2009. Arsenal are also very much embroiled in the race to win the Premier League and hope to get their hands on the trophy for the first in 20 long years.
With the Gunners clearly upwardly mobile, plans are being put in place already for the summer window and in an effort to further solidify their squad.
To that end, Arteta and Edu are intent on signing a new striker to compete with Gabriel Jesus and amid claims that Eddie Nketiah has been cleared to leave. As a result, the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with big-money moves this summer.
DON’T MISS: The world-class XI Arsenal could field next season if Arteta lands top midfield, striker targets
However, the Gunners are also intent on bringing in a new midfielder with Mohamed Elneny due to leave at the end of his contract and amid speculation over the long-term future of both Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Both or either could depart, leaving Arsenal with a sizeable hole to fill in their squad.
Related video: 'Sleep, eat, prepare' - Arteta focused on next game as Arsenal move top (SNTV)
They have been strongly linked with Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, though his £100m valuation would likely prove an issue, while the midfielder has himself moved to strongly distance himself from exit speculation this summer.
Arsenal plot move for Joao Gomes
However, there is another Midlands-based Brazilian also catching their eye too in the shape of Wolves star Joao Gomes, who is enjoying a wonderful season for Gary O’Neil’s side.
Going a little under the radar compared to some of his peers in the Premier League, those in the know can see all too well how the 23-year-old has developed into one of the best all-action midfielders in the English game.
Signed for a bargain €18.7m (£16m) from Flamengo in January 2023, Gomes has thrived at Molineux and become one of the first names on O’Neil’s teamsheet this season, making a total of 30 appearances across all competitions.
Now soon of the big-spending Premier League sides are starting to sit up and take notice of his talents, with Manchester United among those touted as having a strong interest in the Wolves man.
However, reports in Portugal now claim it is Arsenal who are showing the strongest interest in acquiring his services, with Tuesday’s edition of O Dia stating the Gunners have been watching his progress with growing intent in recent weeks.
And per their report, the recently-capped Brazil international will become their top transfer priority this summer as they look to nail down a long-term partner for Rice in their engine room.
O Dia states that Edu is now planning to ‘make an offer’ to Wolves for Gomes ahead of the summer window opening for business and in an effort to steam past their rivals in the race for his signature.
Wolves media rate Arsenal target extremely highly
While the article does not mention what such a deal would cost, it’s previously been suggested that it would take an offer of around £60m to tempt the Old Gold to cash in on the twice-capped Brazil star.
His loss would certainly be hard to take for O’Neil, who has made clear his admiration for the midfielder on multiple occasions this season.
And after shining for Brazil in recent internationals against England and Spain, Express & Star journalist Liam Keen has made clear exactly what makes the 23-year-old such a rising talent.
“It’s important to remember that he started both of those friendlies [for Brazil] ahead of someone like Douglas Luiz,” Keen began on the E&S Wolves podcast.
“Joao Gomes starting ahead of him is really quite big. I’m delighted for him, he’s a really important player who I hope will continue to get better.”
Keen also insists the best is yet to come from Gomes, who can become one of the best around in years to come.
“I think he’s a magnificent player. There’s still a ceiling he hasn’t reached which is the most exciting thing about Joao Gomes.”
Gomes’ deal at Molineux does not expire until summer 2028, with Wolves also retaining an option to extend that agreement by a further 12 months.
READ MORE: Five realistic transfers Arsenal can make to topple Man City, Liverpool and become kings of England
Chelsea told to break bank to sign Man Utd pair with duo Pochettino must not sell named
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has been told he can instantly fix the club’s inconsistency troubles this season by launching a daring summer raid on Manchester United for Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford – with the reasons why such a move could be made having been detailed.
The Blues have not scaled the heights expected of them this season under highly-respected coach Mauricio Pochettino, with their current position of ninth not exactly a huge-improvement on their lowly 12th-placed finish last season. However, there have been signs of progress for Chelsea this season – particularly thanks to the huge impact made by Cole Palmer, who has given the Blues reasons for major optimism at Stamford Bridge.
However, while Chelsea have already matched last season’s 44-point tally in the Premier League, the 10 losses they have suffered in their 30 matches played so far tells you exactly just how inconsistent they have been.
DON’T MISS: Stunning XI Chelsea could field next season if Pochettino gets his way and classy quartet all sign
There are, of course, mitigating circumstances too, with captain Reece James suffering far too long on the sidelines, while major summer signing Christopher Nkunku has only managed eight appearances of an injury-riddled campaign.
Nonetheless, pressure on Pochettino’s position has understandably been cranked up amid what has proved a disappointing campaign.
However, TEAMtalk revealed on Monday that the Blues do instead plan to stay loyal to Pochettino as things stand, with a thorough review of his first season in charge set to be held at the season’s end.Related video: Mauricio Pochettino 'frustrated' to see Chelsea twice surrender lead (Daily Mail)
Nonetheless, the Argentine himself feels he still has the backing of the Blues board and planning for the summer window is gathering pace as Pochettino and Co look to steer Chelsea back into a position of power in the Premier League.
Chelsea told to sign Man Utd pair Rashford and Fernandes
Widespread reports claims the Blues are honing their search this summer into the signing of a new striker – to put away the glut of chances they create – as well as a new central defender to step into the shoes of legendary, but ageing defender, Thiago Silva.
However, their former star William Gallas, who who two successive Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho, reckons they should make a move for Man Utd pair Fernandes and Rashford.
Why either would jump ship from United to south-west London remains hugely debatable, though Gallas has outlined why he thinks the huge double move would pay dividends.
“Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could be good options for Chelsea. Both are quality players,” Gallas said.
“Bruno could definitely be the kind of midfielder who has the quality to play in the number ten role where Chelsea lack strength.
“Chelsea are a team of young players and Bruno Fernandes has the leadership qualities to get through certain periods.”
With the Blues having to now tread a careful line due to FFP concerns, it’s been suggested they could cash in on a number of names to help balance the books.
Two of those consistently linked with exits are James, often touted as a target for Real Madrid, and Conor Gallagher, who finds himself tipped as a cross-capital target for London rivals Tottenham.
Pochettino urged to hang on to Chelsea pair
However, Gallas is adamant that the Blues cannot afford to sell either player.
“Chelsea won’t sell Reece James, you have to keep players who have come through the academy and you need players with that identity,” the Frenchman added.
“He is the captain, but unfortunately, he is often injured – despite this, we should keep him. It’s the same for Connor Gallagher, they both have to stay.
“I know that there are problems with the finances at the moment, but they have to sell another player to fix this.”
READ MORE: The ridiculous XI of players Chelsea sold before they hit their prime: Salah, De Bruyne, Ampadu…
Man City to sign West Ham ace for colossal fee, with personal terms already agreed
Manchester City will push to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta this summer and a pre-existing agreement on personal terms is still in place, according to a report.
Man City moved for the Brazil international last summer and agreed a deal in principle worth £80m with West Ham. That came after Pep Guardiola’s side wasted no time in wrapping up an agreement over personal terms.
However, an FA investigation into Paqueta over alleged betting breaches laid waste to the move. Man City pulled the plug and went on to sign Matheus Nunes from Wolves for £53m instead.
But amid rampant speculation Bernardo Silva’s time at the Etihad is coming to a close, Man City are expected to reignite their interest in Paqueta.
Silva is a wanted man at Barcelona and can be signed via a release clause worth an even £50m. Barcelona loanee, Joao Felix, has strongly hinted he’ll play alongside his fellow Portuguese at the Camp Nou next season.
The classy Paqueta – who’s helped take West Ham up a notch since his £51m arrival from Lyon in 2022 – would be viewed as Silva’s heir.
Now, according to French outlet FootMarcato, Man City WILL return with a fresh attempt to sign the 26-year-old.
Personal terms agreement still valid
They state the agreement struck on personal terms between Paqueta and Man City last summer ‘still exists’.
With that piece of the puzzle already in place, all eyes will turn to the size of the bid Man City table.
FootMarcato don’t specify how much Man City will bid. However, they do state West Ham ‘will be able to line their pockets.’Related video: Mikel Arteta's Genius Change That Destroyed West Ham United (Dailymotion)
Given an £80m transfer was agreed in principle between the two clubs last year, it stands to reason a similar level of fee will be required this time around.
Paqueta has continued to shine this term, with his 10 goal contributions in the Premier League helping West Ham into seventh position at present.
Furthermore, Paqueta has scored four goals in just eight matches in the Europa League as the Hammers aim to lift back-to-back European trophies.
EXCLUSIVE: West Ham barge Liverpool, Tottenham aside in free agent swoop, as key advantage works in Moyes favour
Regarding the FA’s probe – which is still ongoing – it’s strongly hinted there’ll not be a negative outcome for the player.
FootMarcato state Paqueta has cooperated fully with the investigation and has even turned over his phone for full transparency.
If the investigation does lead to nothing, Man City will be cleared to complete their unfinished business.
One might question why a French outlet are reporting on the potential transfer of a Brazilian moving between two English sides.
However, Paqueta played for Ligue 1 side Lyon between 2020-22 and became one of their most expensive ever sales upon joining West Ham.
DON’T MISS: Erling Haaland forces Man City into corner with striking demand that’ll make Liverpool, Arsenal ecstatic
