by John-James Grice
A significant gap between themselves and Premier League leaders and cross-city rivals Manchester United has opened up, while they only have the FA Cup left to play for. A disappointing season could see a massive overhaul at Manchester City this summer, with a number of their biggest stars rumoured to want out of the Etihad Stadium.
Don’t go Sergio!
With their hopes of retaining their Premier League title fading fast, there’s a lot of talk over who is most likely to leave. There are rumours that Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, two of their best performers over the past couple of seasons, could be heading to Real Madrid for a new challenge.
Toure in particular could be looking for pastures new. The 29-year-old Ivorian ace has been locked in a contract dispute which could potentially see him walk out on the club by buying the remainder of his current deal out. This move would leave him free to join whatever club he likes, assuming they’re interested in signing him.
Need for new blood?
City currently look like a team in need of a few changes. Some of their signings this season including Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair haven’t impressed, while other players have looked like pale imitations of their former selves, and if Toure and Aguero leave, who will come in to replace them?
A striker is an absolute necessity for City next season, even if Aguero stays. He, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez, although all world-class, are too inconsistent. Someone like Christian Benteke from Aston Villa or perhaps Santos and Brazil wonderkid Neymar would add more threat to their forward line.
A hole in the middle
City are now a massive 33/1 to retain their title with Ladbrokes this season. The Premier League table doesn’t lie, and that could prompt Yaya Toure to leave. Unfortunately for manager Roberto Mancini, it seems that the big all-rounder is almost irreplaceable. However, that won’t stop City from getting out the chequebook.
One possible signing could be Malaga youngster Izco. He’s performed terrifically for his club this season, and they need to sell. Anything in the region of £15m could be enough to tempt the cash-strapped Andalucía side to let him go, although Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested.
As an alternative, Celtic’s equally-talented Victor Wanyama is rumoured to want to leave. He’s looking for a move, and could be a little cheaper than Izco. As for new defenders, someone like Thomas Vermaelen from Arsenal might fit the bill.
