Top five players Manchester City should target in summer 2023

Pep Guardiola will be eyeing another Champions League title

After a remarkable season in which Manchester City clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles, Pep Guardiola is determined to maintain the club's success by bolstering the squad during the upcoming summer transfer window. 

Pep Guardiola is known to be a perfectionist, and the Spanish maestro is already looking to add names that could bolster the squad at the Etihad Stadium. Below are the top five players that the treble winners should target for the 2023-24 season.

5. Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

First on Guardiola's radar is Josko Gvardiol, the highly sought-after centre-back from RB Leipzig. Reports suggest that English champions would need to fork out a substantial sum of at least £75 million to secure the services of the Croatian international.

With Aymeric Laporte's future uncertain, the addition of Gvardiol would provide vital reinforcement to the defensive line, ensuring depth and competition for places.

4. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Another key target for Manchester City are Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich. In their pursuit of the talented midfielder, the recent treble winners are reportedly willing to offer Joao Cancelo as part of the deal.

Kimmich's potential availability has attracted attention from top European clubs, and Guardiola, having previously worked with the player, believes he would seamlessly fit into City's midfield. With the potential departure of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, Kimmich's arrival would further strengthen the team's midfield options.

3. Declan Rice (West Ham United)

Guardiola's desire for midfield reinforcements has also led him to set his sights on West Ham captain Declan Rice. Despite Arsenal's interest, Manchester City have joined the race to secure the services of the 24-year-old English midfielder. Rice's future is expected to be resolved soon, and Guardiola hopes to convince him that his talents would be best utilised at the recently crowned treble winners.

2. Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)

In a bid to add depth and quality to their midfield, the Citizens are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. Sources have revealed that negotiations between the two clubs have progressed positively, with an agreement on a fee close to £30m. Kovacic, having agreed to personal terms, is likely to finalise the transfer after fulfilling his international obligations with Croatia. His arrival would further bolster City's midfield options and add a wealth of experience to the squad.

1. Gabri Viega (Celta Vigo)

Guardiola has identified Gabri Veiga as a prime target for Manchester City. The talented Spaniard, valued at €40 million, has attracted interest from multiple top clubs, including Real Madrid. Guardiola aims to secure Veiga's services and further enhance his team's creative and goal-scoring capabilities. The potential departures of Gundogan and Silva create an opportunity for Guardiola to reinforce the squad with a player of Veiga's calibre.

As Manchester City basks in the glory of a sensational season, clinching domestic and European success, Guardiola remains keen on maintaining the squad's high standards. The imminent departures of key players present both challenges and opportunities, compelling the Catalan manager to seek fresh talent. Guardiola's ambition to continue the club's success drives the pursuit of these highly regarded players, each poised to make a significant impact at the Etihad Stadium.