Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is already preparing for next season's campaign and the Spaniard is obviously gunning to regain the Premier League title that he will likely relinquish soon to Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp. Targeted by the Catalan as potential acquisitions are Sergi Roberto and Ismael Bennacer, coming from Barcelona and AC Milan respectively.
Bennacer should be an interesting hire for City as he played for Arsenal briefly. But the Algeria international found his better form after his exit from England and is now considered a promising star in San Siro.
Metro characterized Bennacer as a gifted playmaker. The 22-year-old's experience at the Emirates was far from encouraging but he bounced back after leaving the club. While Milan is not exactly the frontrunner in Serie A, Bennacer's showing proved he is now a better player and Guardiola took notice.
The City manager has already made contacts with the Milan forward and the two discuss how things would play out in case Bennacer makes the move back to the Premier League. Playing in Etihad, the Algerian can look forward to collaborating on the pitch with fellow Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
The same report said the Milan man considers Mesut Ozil as one of the players that inspired him.
If Guardiola will push through with the plan, City could soon make a formal bid of €50 million in the next transfer window.
Also on the radar of the reigning Premier League champions is Roberto, who Camp Nou would likely make available in light of the Spanish giants' ongoing mini-rebuild. The Catalans are thought to be raising cash in pursuit of high-profile targets like Lautaro Martinez and Roberto could be on the list of assets to be sold.
Express said City's intention to sign the Barca star has been made known and that Etihad is ready to talk business pending the word from Catalonia that a deal on Roberto can be discussed. The 28-year-old has been with Barcelona since 2010 and has made 274 appearances with the club.
The report said Guardiola is convinced that Roberto and other hiring potentials would give City the boost for the campaign next season.
City will likely focus on dominating the Premier League again as the club is prevented by UEFA to compete in the Champions League in the next two years. Guardiola is seen to build a team that he can pit against the powerhouse Liverpool.
Klopp's side enjoys a 25-point lead over City in the Premier League table and is tipped to get the title once the season is resumed. Liverpool will only need to score two more wins to snatch the crown from Guardiola, and the Spaniard is only expected to get it back.
