Manchester City will be hoping that this summer, the business they have done puts them in good stead to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title.
With Gianluigi Donnarumma keen to join Manchester City and Rodrygo willing to work with Pep Guardiola, as per our information, the Sky Blues seem determined not to leave any stone unturned in their pursuit for glory.
However, it is next to impossible for any transfer window to be deemed flawless.
As a result, Pep Guardiola will have to be at his best tactically to help City get over the line in next season’s title.
Man City could regret not signing Martin Zubimendi in January
City already have a problem on their hands as Rodri is still not fully fit to start games for them until the first international break of the campaign comes to an end in September.
As a result, Manchester City could regret not signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a player they were heavily linked with during the window transfer window.
Martin Zubimendi in action during Spain v Serbia
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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Rodri advised Manchester City to sign Zubimendi as his replacement when he was sidelined due to his ACL injury, with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente also described him as “fantastic” when he was at Real Sociedad.
The 26-year-old famously replaced the Ballon d’Or winner against England in the European Championship final last year and looked imperious.
But more pertinently, Zubimendi has etched his status as one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders for years, as he profiles similarly to Rodri in terms of reading the game brilliantly, being a terrific passer and an excellent technician.
Manchester City have had doubts about Nico Gonzalez from the day he signed as they do not view the former Porto dynamo as a holding midfielder while Pep Guardiola’s side view Tijjani Reijnders as a number eight as well.
Rodri in action for Manchester City vs Juventus.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Considering Rodri is arguably City’s most essential player, the Arsenal new-boy could have taken his place or played alongside him if the 29-year-old continues to undergo fitness issues or is simply not the same player after his devastating ACL injury.
Pep Guardiola believes surprise Man City player could replace Rodri next season
However, what’s done is done and Pep Guardiola must find internal solutions in case the former Atletico Madrid orchestrator has a difficult campaign in store.
The good news for Manchester City fans is that despite them missing out on Zubimendi earlier this year, Guardiola believes Reijnders could replace Rodri as his emergency number six.
Reijnders starred in defensive midfield against Wydad and controlled the tempo of proceedings when tasked to play in a deeper position than usual.
However, considering how effective the 27-year-old was further up the pitch against Palermo as he scored a brace, being deployed as a number six would perhaps not get the best out of his game.