Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are both reportedly on the brink of leaving the Premier League champions this summer, as Manchester City seemingly cash-in on two forwards who are out of contract in 2023.
Gabriel Jesus, who joined the Blues as a teenager from Palmeiras has completed a medical ahead of a £45 million move to Arsenal.
While Chelsea are widely reported to be advancing in their pursuit of England forward Raheem Sterling, who City signed for £44 million from Liverpool in 2015.
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The pair scored a combined 30 goals for City last season in all competitions, as Guardiola’s side beat Jurgen Klopp’s Reds to another Premier League title, and also reached the semi-final stages of both the Champions League and FA Cup.
Despite the attacking influence of the two players, City will reportedly not be seeking to bolster their forward options during the remainder of the summer transfer window, even if Sterling follows Jesus to another London-based rival.
City have already confirmed the signings of strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, with the latter set to join up with Guardiola’s squad for pre-season from Argentine giants River Plate.
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Meanwhile, Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is on course to become Guardiola’s third addition, after it was widely reported on Friday that Man City had agreed a £42 million deal with the Yorkshire club.
Numerous wide options would remain available to the City boss even if he loses two forwards, and as a result, Rob Dawson reports that the Sky Blues ‘remain focussed’ on signing a left-back this summer, as Guardiola continues to strengthen his squad.
Brighton’s Marc Cucurella is widely reported to be City’s number one target although full-backs David Raum and Kieran Tierney have also been mooted.
The club recently distanced themselves from rumours that Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix could be on the Blues’ radar, as City seem unlikely to bring in attacking reinforcements amid Jesus and Sterling’s possible exits.
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Jack Grealish signed from Aston Villa in a £100 deal last summer, while teenager Cole Palmer, who was sidelined through injury for a significant portion of the campaign, is also expected to have more first-team opportunities.
Palmer made 11 appearances for City last season and was handed his first Premier League start in November, when the Champions beat Everton 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
However, it is unclear where the youngster will be deployed next season and what amount of gametime he will get.
Topics: Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours