Man City transfer news: Liverpool target is ‘earmarked’, defender speaks out & Real Madrid could ‘hijack’ deal

As the transfer market draws ever nearer to opening, there are no shortage of rumours surrounding potential Manchester City incomings and outgoings.

The window officially opens on Friday, with City already wrapping up deals for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

The club’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also admitted last week that the Premier League champions will make more additions this summer.

So where might they strengthen? We’ve taken a look at the latest reports and rumours surrounding City.

Bukay-no for Guardiola

The Manchester Evening News claim City have distanced themselves from reports linking them with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

The Daily Mail had previously stated the Blues would rival Liverpool for the England international’s signature, just as he begins contract talks at the Emirates.

While the outlet said he was viewed more as a future target, they added City have ‘begun showing increased interest’ in Saka and ‘earmarked’ him as a potential future signing.

However, the MEN claim Saka is not in their plans for this or any other future windows.

Ake speaks out

Nathan Ake has hinted in a recent interview that he has no plans to leave City this summer.

The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, with the Telegraph claiming Eddie Howe had been put off by the club’s £50m valuation of the player.

That tallies with what Ake said to NOS, and admitted he’s already thinking about the 2022/23 campaign at the Etihad.

“This season I was really 100 % present and I played more,” said the former Bournemouth man. “You notice an improvement in yourself, and how you play. I felt good. I will go into the season with that intention. I will do everything I can to play even more."

Fernandinho replacement lined up

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, City have ‘made contact’ with Leeds United over the signing of Kalvin Phillips.

He tweeted to say Pep Guardiola want reinforcements in midfield and says there is ‘high competition’ to secure a move for Phillips.

Liverpool have also been linked with the midfielder in recent weeks, although reports Manchester United are interested have cooled.

Jesus to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid could look to ‘hijack’ Gabriel Jesus’s move to Arsenal, according to the Sun.

They claim Arsenal had been leading the race to sign the forward after talks progressed well with the player’s agent.

However, the Sun are now reporting both Real and city rivals Atletico Madrid have been ‘alerted’ to Jesus’s situation, putting a move to the Emirates in doubt.