Topics: Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala
Manchester City could launch an audacious double transfer swoop that would significantly weaken one of their Champions League rivals.
City enjoyed a historic 2022/23 campaign as Pep Guardiola's side won the Treble, but perhaps more significantly a first Champions League title in the club's history.
City did not conduct a major overhaul of Guardiola's squad last summer, bringing in the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku as Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer left the club.
Though it was a typically quiet January at the Etihad Stadium - the only major piece of business was Kalvin Phillips' loan move to West Ham - the Premier League champions are reportedly plotting two blockbuster summer moves.
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According to The Athletic, City could an attempt to sign both Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich.
City bosses are big admirers of Kimmich, especially as Guardiola worked with the German midfielder during his three-year spell in charge of Bayern.
"Although City sources played down the idea of a move for Kimmich in January," wrote The Athletic's City Correspondent Sam Lee, "The Athletic understands a summer move is a different matter."
When Guardiola was linked with a return to Bayern back in 2019/20, Kimmich admitted that he would love to work with the Spaniard again.
Over his managerial career Guardiola has tended to avoid plundering his former clubs for players, although doing so is not impossible if the player wants to leave.
Lionel Messi came very close to joining City in 2020 after saying he wanted to leave Barcelona, and the same could happen if Kimmich tells Bayern he wants out.
City would also entertain the idea of signing 20-year-old attacking midfielder Musiala, who is yet to extend his contract in Bavaria beyond the current 2026 expiration.
However, according to The Athletic, Guardiola and City's director of football Txiki Begiristain are prioritising other positions to strengthen.
Next season will be the final of Kimmich's current contract, and his ability to play both at right-back and in holding midfield makes him extremely appealing to Guardiola.
