Manchester City’s season is turning into a horrific nightmare with every week, as the campaign comes to a close. The Sky Blues managed to churn out only a draw against relegation battling Middlesbrough last week, which leaves them dangerously close to Manchester United and a chance of missing out on a top-four spot in the Champions League.
After the much-hyped introduction of Pep Guardiola last summer, City had the perfect start to the season winning six matches in a row. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager seemed destined for something special in his first season before the Premier League introduced itself.
The Citizens soon found themselves out of the EFL Cup for starters as an upbeat Manchester United side won by a goal; which was followed by a slump in results adding to injuries that saw them getting distanced from the league title.
A reviving Monaco side struck hard to knock them out of the Champions League and City went down to a struggling Arsenal side last month in the FA Cup semis. Guardiola doesn’t have any chance of winning a silverware this season anymore, and qualifying for the Champions League remains the only priority for him for the rest of the season.
It is no doubt that Guardiola will be handed a huge transfer budget to spend lavishly in the summer and plug the gaps with the most efficient options possible. Here, we look at three options City could consider signing, to pose a serious challenge next season in all competitions:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund):
The Bundesliga goal machine is not a new name to Guardiola as the 46-year-old has spent enough time planning ways to stop him during his time at Bayern Munich. The 27-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward has caught the eyes of many European giants and would surely trigger a bidding war coming summer as his departure from the club draws near.
He has scored a staggering 27 goals in 29 league outings this season and his pace on the ball blended with a superior physique could make him a lethal option in England.
Michael Keane (Burnley):
Centre-halves have been in huge demand of late with most of the top clubs tying up their prized assets to long-term deals. But City are in dire need of a quality enforcer with a commanding presence in front of goal.
Burnley sensation Michael Keane looks the perfect option for them. Well-acquainted to the rigours of the league, Keane would be a ready option for City at the back, and alongside the likes of Vincent Kompany and John Stones, he will excel for sure.
Tiemoué Bakayoko (AS Monaco):
Yaya Toure has been a timely saviour for City this season after the sudden injury to Ilkay Gundogan left Guardiola out of options in the central midfield. If not for the former Ivory Coast international, City would be dwelling in the middle of the points table in the domestic league.
The manager will have to ensure plenty of depth in that role next season and Bakayoko is the hottest prospect at the moment. He has been instrumental in AS Monaco’s prolific season so far and could take City to great heights in years to come.
