Manchester City Prepares for a Busy Summer. After experiencing golden years with Pep Guardiola, with titles in all competitions, the English team is going through one of its most disappointing seasons. Eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16 and sitting in fourth place in the Premier League, the campaign has fallen short of expectations.
The feeling of the end of an era is starting to settle in at Etihad Stadium. With several key players dropping their level and a system that is beginning to show cracks, Guardiola and the management have already started planning a deep squad overhaul. The summer market will be hectic, and in this context, the English club has its eyes on some gems from Barça.
Pep Guardiola Looks Closely at Barcelona
With the need to rejuvenate his squad, Manchester City has identified several players who could fit into their new project. In recent weeks, various English media have talked about a desire of Guardiola, which would be to sign Pedri. The Canary Islander has always been to the coach's liking, who sees in him a spiritual heir to the style he implemented at Barça.
Another name being mentioned is Dani Olmo. The Spanish attacking midfielder landed at Barça last summer and has had a brilliant adaptation. His versatility, tactical intelligence, and ability to disrupt make him an ideal profile for Guardiola.
They Are Untouchable and Think of Nothing but Barça
However, at Barça, they are clear that neither Pedri nor Dani Olmo are for sale. Both are considered key pieces in Hansi Flick's sports project, and the sports management doesn't consider any scenario that involves their departure. Pedri is, along with Lamine Yamal, the symbol of the club's present and future, and Dani Olmo has made a strong impression.
Moreover, the players themselves are delighted at Barça. Pedri has repeated on more than one occasion that playing at Barça is a dream, and Dani Olmo, trained in the youth academy, has returned with the excitement of succeeding. Any attempt by City will be met with a resounding no from the Catalan club.
The Player Manchester City Wants
The name that truly generates interest at Etihad is Raphinha. According to the media 'El Nacional', the Brazilian winger is Manchester City's main target. His season is being absolutely spectacular, with impressive figures: 30 goals and 23 assists in all competitions.
Unlike Pedri or Olmo, Raphinha's situation could be different. Barça needs to relieve its wage bill and generate income, and if a sufficiently high offer comes in, they do not rule out listening to proposals. City knows this and is already preparing a move to acquire the Brazilian's services, who would be a top-level piece in Guardiola's scheme.