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Football

30th Apr 2018

Pep Guardiola reveals Manchester City’s transfer plans for the summer

City fans should know what to expect this summer

Simon Lloyd

With the Premier League title already sealed, Manchester City showed no signs of easing up on Sunday.

Away to West Ham, they eased to a 4-1 victory. In the process, they passed the 100 league goals for the season milestone and also equalled the Premier League record of 30 victories in a single campaign. Not bad going, but inevitably, City already have an eye on next season and the transfer market.

Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola told reporters he did intend to make changes to his squad over the summer, although he does not expect to bring in more than two additions to his squad ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

“Don’t worry, we are going to spend a lot of money next season as well – maybe £1 billion or something,” he joked.

“It’s the same question with Chelsea four years ago, when they were not good the next season. Next season everyone starts with zero points. We need something.

“We need to touch something, the team. Maybe one. Maybe two. No more than that, for next year.”

City have been strongly linked with a move for Napoli’s Jorginho in the last week. The Brazilian-born Italian international appears to have replaced Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred as being Guardiola’s main target as they seek a long-term replacement for Fernandinho in midfield.

Reports have also claimed City would like to bring in another attacking player to their squad, with Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez and AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar also said to be transfer targets.

City finish their campaign with home games to Huddersfield Town – where they are to be presented with the Premier League trophy – and Brighton, before their final game of the season away to Southampton.

Two more goal would see them set a new Premier League record for the season, while another win would also see them pass the 95-point record held by Chelsea’s 2004/05 title-winning side.