Manchester City are set to mount another Premier League title challenge and could now be primed to raid South America to sign a promising starlet.
Man City mark Premier League return with win over Everton
The international break is always a time to reset for players and managers alike, and Manchester City seem to have lived up to that mantra after claiming an impressive victory over Everton on Saturday.
Erling Haaland's goalscoring exploits and Tijjani Reijnders' industry in midfield proved to be crucial on a day where Pep Guardiola was able to celebrate, albeit, the Catalan boss made it clear that he expects more from his attacking support players to ensure there isn't an over-reliance on the Norwegian.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts after the match
He stated: "(I'm) disappointed he did not score four or five. All jokes aside, really pleased but we can not rely on just him, we need other players. Wingers, attacking midfielders. They have to make a step up and score goals. We play to provide Erling with quality and passing but other players have to step up.
"The chances were clear and they have to score. At this level they have to demand themselves. Chances from Savinho and Jeremy and Tijjani - they have to score. They have to do it otherwise we can't do what we want to do."
Either way, Manchester City find themselves only three points off league leaders Arsenal after ironing out some of their earlier issues in the campaign, representing a stark contrast to their shaky form at this stage last season.
Notoriously, the Citizens' plethora of attacking talent has offered them a platform to compete across several fronts, and they may now be about to repeat the trick amid developments involving a potential target.
Man City eye move for River Plate youngster Ian Subiabre
According to TBR Football, Manchester City are among a host of clubs keen on River Plate youngster Ian Subiabre, who has been in fine form for Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup with two goals in six appearances.
Ian Subiabre
In a prospective transfer, which could see the youngster embark on a path similar to that of Julian Alvarez, he has registered a goal and an assist in 15 appearances for the South American giants in 2025.
Capable of featuring on either flank, Subiabre is on the radar of Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham, and Crystal Palace.
Intriguingly, Manchester City made contact with the 18-year-old around the time they brought in Claudio Echeverri, and they remain keen on doing a deal as his stock continues to rise in Europe.
Now, it remains to be seen if they can beat competitors to his signature, with Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Monaco and RB Leipzig offering further options for Subiabre to further his career. Addressing his situation, Graeme Bailey has made it clear that a 2026 move could appeal to all parties, though didn't give much away on his potential destination.
He said: "Speaking to scouts and clubs, the belief is now that we see Subiabre move in 2026. It is likely in the summer, but don’t be surprised if someone gets a deal done in January."