Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been successful so far, even if the team haven’t scratched the surface of what they are capable of producing.
City sit at the top of the Premier League table having lost just once this season. That defeat was utterly deserved and came against Spurs in the most recent fixture at White Hart Lane.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side highlighted a lot of the flaws in the City side with their aggression and intensity – proving that Guardiola’s team is far from complete.
Though City have adapted to Guardiola’s methods much quicker than expected, it is clear that to reach a totally new level, more changes are needed.
Reports suggest that Guardiola is planning a £150m spending spree in order to transform the City side even further.
But which players should he be looking to target in order to take the team to new heights?
We take a look at five players who should definitely be part of that spending spree.
Hector Bellerin
City have been heavily linked with this man for a long time but it’s a transfer that they should do absolutely everything to make happen. Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna are not getting any younger, meaning the need for a young, energetic full-back is greater than ever.
Bellerin is the perfect choice; he is a product of La Masia and is also familiar with the demands of the Premier League.
I think this is a transfer that could definitely happen, though City might have to cough up £40m or more.
Leonardo Bonucci
City went in for him last summer but nothing materialised and Bonucci remained part of Juventus’ rock solid defence.
But despite the consistently excellent displays of John Stones, City still have issues in central defence – as demonstrated in games against Celtic and Spurs.
Vincent Kompany’s injury problems show no signs of slowing down, meaning City must surely be looking at recruiting another elite level central defender.
Bonucci is one of the very best around, but would potentially command a hefty fee in excess of £50m.
Julian Weigl
Despite the positive performances of Fernandinho in the deep lying midfield role, City still need another central midfielder.
Fernando does not have the passing range nor the mobility to be a Pep Guardiola player. Someone who definitely does is Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl.
Weigl is technically sound and has all the necessary attributes to thrive in a Guardiola team.
Dortmund are trying to tie him down to a long-term contract but surely the lure of Guardiola could persuade him to come to City, like it did with his former teammate Ilkay Gundogan.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Why sign one player from Borussia Dortmund, when you can have two?
Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to move on in the summer. City and Chelsea have both been linked, as have Real Madrid and PSG.
The 27-year old would not come on the cheap but the former St Ettiene man brings guaranteed goals having netted 36 in 45 appearances last season, as well as 7 in 9 this time around.
David Alaba
City should continue shopping in the Bundesliga and Pep should finally look to sign one of his former players from Bayern Munich.
Alaba is only 24 but has a wealth of experience in European football and is incredibly versatile.
City desperately need a reliable left-back who is equally as good at defending as he is going forward and Alaba would be the perfect fit.
Even better, he has also played in a number of different roles in his career, as part of his tuition under Guardiola. When City clashed with Bayern Munich a couple of seasons ago, Alaba played in around five positions in the same game.
He would be a dream signing for Pep’s City project.