#manchester-city

#manchester-city

Pep Guardiola's side have suffered a real injury crisis of late, particularly at centre-back, and that has been a factor in their falling off the pace in the Premier League title race. City are now six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal at the top. They are without three key central defenders - Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones - with the trio all ruled out long-term.

Not only did City manager Guardiola not agree with that decision, but he feels the Norwegian is being singled out too often. "He is the only striker in the world that makes more fouls than defenders do on him," Guardiola said. "That is his biggest attribute. That is really good. He is only the striker in my life that makes more fouls to defenders than defenders to him. I've never seen this."

Earlier today, FC Barcelona were dealt a major blow as teenage prodigy Pedro 'Dro' Fernandez informed the club of his decision to leave in the ongoing transfer window. The 18-year-old La Masia gem has a €6 million release clause in his contract, which he intends to pay and depart, with several top teams across Europe vying to sign him. The news has not gone down well at Barça, with manager Hansi Flick, in particular, understood to be greatly disappointed.

Manchester City reportedly look to be closing in on the 20m transfer of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, according to Fabrizio Romano. The England international has accepted the offer from Man City, rejecting the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who had also been in the mix for his signature, albeit for the summer when he would have become a free agent.

Manchester United and Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with both clubs considering a summer move for the highly rated 22-year-old, according to TEAMtalk. With just over two years remaining on his contract, Scott could be available for a reduced fee at the end of the season, a situation that has alerted several Premier League giants.

Xabi Alonso was recently shown the door by Real Madrid, and he is already being linked with a return to management. Clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly interested in him. The 44-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young managers in the game, and he could prove to be an excellent option for all three clubs. Alonso has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City defeated Exeter City 10-1 in the FA cup third round, equalling the scoreline of their largest ever victory. Despite the opposition, the Blues still used a relatively strong lineup. Trafford started in goal. Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, and Ake were in the back four. Academy player Mcaidoo made his debut and joined Rodri and Reijnders in midfield. New signing Semenyo also made his first appearance for the club in attack with Cherki and Haaland.

Manchester City drew 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion midweek in the Premier League, suffering more dropped points. The Blues had already drawn their previous two league fixtures and needed a win ideally to keep the pressure on Arsenal, who are still to play this gameweek. Following injuries to Gvardiol and Dias, the lineup was a changed one. Donnarumma started in goal. Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, and Ake were the back four with O'Reilly being rested.

Manchester City are no strangers to using their wide City Football Group (CFG) links to sign promising young talents from around the world. CFG is the parent company that owns City, and fully owns or has an interest in another eleven clubs in Europe, North and South America, Australia and Asia, all of which sit in their multi-club system. Pep Guardiola's side sit, of course, at the top of this food chain and have used the system to strong effect in the past.