Pep Guardiola future revealed – Man City Transfer Round-Up: #13

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·14 January 2020

Pep Guardiola future revealed – Man City Transfer Round-Up: #13

On day fourteen of the transfer window, there are updates on the future of club legend and recent record-breaker Sergio Aguero, in addition to John Stones, Pep Guardiola and Ian Poveda.

Meanwhile, a new candidate has emerged as a target for the heart of Manchester City’s defence…

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City put Aguero’s fate in his own hands

Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel claimed on Monday night that such is Manchester City’s gratitude towards all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero, they will allow the striker to ‘decide his own exit strategy’.

With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, it appears likely at present that Aguero will depart as a free agent that summer. Out of respect for Sergio, the club will allegedly refrain from making concrete moves in the market for a striker until his future is clear – even though efforts to identify an eventual successor are already underway.

Stones and Arteta reunited in London?

Mikel Arteta is eyeing a new centre back to remedy Arsenal’s shambles of a defence, and John Stones is top of his wishlist, according to The Sun.

The two men share the same agent and Stones was apparently in London to visit his agent this week. Stones is said to be eager to play regularly to safeguard his position at this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament – a loan deal is even mooted as possible by The Sun.

No new CB this month and Stones stays – but for how long?

Stuart Brennan in the Manchester Evening News responded directly to The Sun’s article about John Stones and a move to Arsenal.

Manchester City sources have made it clear that Stones will simply NOT be going anywhere this month, given the problems the club have had in defence this season. However, the club also apparently ‘have no plans’ to bring in a new defender this month, and Stones’ long-term future ‘will be under discussion’ as part of City’s summer plans.

Bilbao defender to follow in Laporte’s footsteps?

In contrast to Brennan’s assertion, El Gol Digital suggest that Manchester City could well be in the market for a centre back this month.

Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Nunez, 22, is ‘almost certain’ to exit the club they allege, with Manchester City the most likely destination for the defender. Nunez supposedly has a £25 million release clause, and other outlets have credited West Ham, Arsenal and Everton with an interest in him.

Nunez made his first-team debut in August 2017, partnered by none other than Aymeric Laporte in Bilbao’s defence.

Pep Guardiola’s future undecided

In news that Manchester City fans will certainly welcome, The Telegraph have reported that sources close to Pep Guardiola have affirmed that there is ‘no chance’ that the Catalan leaves the club before his contract expires in 2021.

It also suggests that Pep Guardiola is open to the prospect of extending his stay in Manchester beyond that date, but it will depend upon factors such as his motivation and belief that the squad remain fully committed to his ideas.

Battle for Poveda continues

The struggle between Leeds United and Torino for Manchester City’s England Under-20 winger Ian Poveda that developed yesterday has seen some new details emerge today.

Tuttosport claim that Torino may only be offering a salary worth 400k after tax, with fears that Leeds could propose a more tempting financial package. Torino want Poveda now but are willing to wait until he is a free agent in the summer.