The Premier League Champions have been linked with a jaw-dropping double transfer scoop involving two of England’s standout performers in this year’s World Cup.
The first of the two targets being eyed by the Cityzens is a name Blue’s are becoming accustomed to due to the frequent nature of links, this being Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham. The article from reliable English journalist Graeme Bailey/@GraemeBailey via 90min_Football states that City’s future transfer plans involve the acquisition of Bellingham who is soon to return back to Dortmund from World Cup duty for talks with the board, his family and representatives, with the German outfit optimistic currently that their main man could stay at the Signal Iduna Park for another year.
With the seemingly inevitable departure of one of/or both İlkay Gündoğan and Bernardo Silva, the purchase of the former Birmingham City man to occupy the left side of a midfield three alongside Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne seems more and more plausible. A unique profile of midfielder, with the ability to progress the ball through tight areas and make late runs beyond the defensive line, perhaps Pep Guardiola seems the teenager as a long term Gundogan replacement. However, unlike the German international who is a master at both, Bellingham isn’t a first phase specialist and does not yet have the capabilities to sit deep, collect the ball of his back four and dictate the tempo of a game, but under the guidance of the world’s greatest coach, the sky’s the limit. With more and more noise surrounding this transfer, expect City to be among the front of the queue for his signature.
The second name mentioned in Bailey’s article is Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka. The England sensation is having a exceptional season, scoring 4 times and assisting another 6 in 14 Premier League games for the Gunners this season. This form has spearheaded Arsenal to a five-point lead over City at the top of the pile and it’s no surprise to see City being linked with a move for the 21-year-old. Saka’s contract expires a year next summer and Bailey states that if the Hale End academy graduate can not tie down a new deal with the current Premier League leaders, City will be given the green light to pursue a deal in 2023. The Arsenal number 7 likes to isolate defenders, receive the ball high and wide and is two-dimensional in every sense, excelling at both going round the opposition on the outside and the inside. With the downwards trajectory of Riyad Mahrez this season and Cole Palmer still not a fully fledged star, a move for Saka would seal a genuine elite right winger for years to come, something which is a rarity in today’s market.
With both stars prices rising after their eye-catching performances for England, expect Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal respectively to command mammoth transfer fees.