 |
| Man City released four first-team players, so where does that leave Pep Guardiola’s side now? |
Thursday turned out to be departure day in Manchester as the Sky Blues said farewell to four first-team players. Gael Clichy was first out the door as his six-year spell came to an end. The former Arsenal “invincible” was soon followed by fellow countryman, Bacary Sagna, as well as Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas.
Where does that leave Manchester City now?
Earlier in the month, City also confirmed the departure of Pablo Zabaleta, who ended his nine-year spell with an emotional farewell at the Etihad stadium. That leaves Pep Guardiola with a huge task ahead of his second season in charge. After previously working with Dani Alves at Barcelona and Phillip Lahm at Bayern Munich, Pep finds himself with no right-back to choose from.
In the transfer market, City have been linked with out-of-favour Tottenham defender, Kyle Walker, as well as Arsenal star, Hector Bellerin.
Signing Bellerin would make perfect sense for Pep. The 22-year-old Spaniard would thrive under Guardiola’s attacking system. His bursting runs down the right flank as well as his energetic runs to get back into position when it’s time to defend, make him arguably one of the best right-backs in world football at the moment.
Being Spanish and coming from Barcelona in his younger days make him an easy target for Pep. City have a way with words when dealing with Arsenal for a new defender, and who better to replace the departing Clichy and Sagna – who were also once Gunners – than Bellerin.
Written by Jesse Nagel