Troy Deeney has claimed that Manchester City should have signed a player that joined Arsenal for just £13million this summer.
The Citizens have not begun the season well, losing two of their three Premier League games before the international break.
In addition, with the transfer window now closed, Manchester City have some glaring flaws in their team that they cannot address until January.
Troy Deeney also believes two Man City players have lost a significant aspect of their play, hence the need for reinforcements.
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Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Troy Deeney believes Manchester City should have signed Cristhian Mosquera
Deeney, speaking on The Football Exchange podcast, said Cristhian Mosquera would have been a good shout for Man City.
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He claimed that John Stones and Ruben Dias appear to have lost a yard due to their injuries and what they have done psychologically.
“Centre-backs… maybe one of the guys that Arsenal signed at centre-back,” said Deeney. “Who’s the guy who came in? Mosquera?
“Maybe him because John Stones and Dias have been great, but they look now like they’ve lost like a yard on their step, like they’re scared to sprint before they get injured.”
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Manchester City need to overhaul their defence
Dias, Stones, Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake can all play at centre-back and, with Guardiola wanting a small squad, he was never likely to bring in another centre-back.
However, Dias has been out of form for a while now, Stones and Ake are in their 30s and injury-prone, and Gvardiol and Khusanov are still listed as injured ahead of the derby.
Neil Warnock pointed out how the three centre-backs who played for City against Brighton were “not thinking enough” and suggested communication was also an issue.
It’s always a shame when players who were world-beaters end up regressing, and you can’t help but wonder whether they will actually turn a corner.
Dias hopefully will, but Stones’ injury issues don’t seem to be letting up, while an improvement on Ake could certainly be found.
One thing’s for sure though – City’s defence is not what it used to be, and an overhaul should take place over the next 12 months.
Mosquera is obviously out of reach now, having moved to Arsenal for a mere £13million, so City would need to look elsewhere.