Manchester City might not be finished in the transfer window after Ilkay Gundogan

Premier League champions Manchester City are continuing to target the recruitment of two new signings before the summer transfer window’s deadline, according to reports.

Fresh impetus from Etihad Stadium officials in the transfer market comes after a string of outgoing transfers from Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad, accompanied by the long-term injury sustained by Oscar Bobb in training.

Julian Alvarez secured his move away from the club in search of more consistent opportunities as a leading striker, joining Atletico Madrid in deal worth a total financial package of up to €95 million including add-ons.

Elsewhere and Sergio Gomez joined Real Sociedad as he also targeted further opportunities on-field, whilst Taylor Harwood-Bellis was among a long list of names to leave the club from the Academy system by joining Southampton on a permanent deal.

Manchester City’s long-standing desire to recruit a defensive midfielder and support for Rodrigo may come to an end with the shock re-signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona, although they will likely remain active in the market when it comes to attacking positions.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee, the Premier League champions are aiming to sign two players between now and the end of the summer transfer window: a holding midfielder and a striker.

However, and perhaps crucially when it comes to identifying potential candidates in each position, the report clarifies that Manchester City’s idea is not to spend ‘big money’, nor sign a player with ‘lofty expectations around playing time’.

From the viewpoint of Manchester City and those making decisions on their first-team playing squad, it is detailed that there is a belief that they have the maximum number of ‘top-level players’ with pretensions to play every week.

Manager Pep Guardiola reportedly does not want to add any more into the aforementioned equation, in case one or more of them become unhappy with a lack of opportunities and destabilise the mood within the dressing room.

The Manchester City manager has consistently made a point of referencing Chelsea’s squad that holds in excess of 40 first-team capable talents, causing disruption in the ranks and forcing the club into outgoing sales.

Raheem Sterling’s outburst via a statement issued by representatives working on behalf of the England international was the latest controversy, after the former Manchester City forward was left out of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squad against Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday.

For Manchester City, they are likely to head into the rest of the season beyond the summer transfer window with around 20 outfield first-team players, even with new signings coming into the club, showcasing Pep Guardiola’s preference of working closely with a small group.