Manchester City confirm second major first-team departure and face fresh competition for new midfield target

Manchester City have continued to press ahead with preparations for the new season despite opting out of a move for key target Declan Rice.

In the week which saw the Sky Blues announce their first signing of the summer transfer window, City also officially lost club captain Ilkay Gundogan, who confirmed his switch to Barcelona on a free transfer.

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have also suffered a second exit from the first-team, with Rodolfo Borrell leaving after nine years at the Etihad Stadium for a role in the United States.

City continue to work on incomings and outgoings, as a new midfield target emerges for the Sky Blues after missing out on West Ham captain Declan Rice.

Manchester City’s tactics have also come under recent scrutiny, with Guardiola’s plans for the new season having a significant bearing on transfer business this summer.

As another busy week of transfer news concludes, here is your comprehensive round-up of everything regarding Manchester City on a transfer front from the previous 48 hours.

Arrivals

Manchester City will not be in the market for ‘up and down’ full-backs in this summer’s transfer window with the plan for next season being to continue with the four centre-backs. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Gabri Veiga’s entourage have been informed by City that they want to sign him this summer and that the midfielder would play a ‘relevant’ role in Pep Guardiola’s starting line-ups. The player sees the Blues’ interest ‘with very good eyes’ as it allows him to join a club that plays offensive football. (Óscar Méndez & Sergio Santos)

Chelsea are expected to move for City target, Gabri Veiga. (Nizaar Kinsella)

Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri, who Manchester City were strongly linked with signing, has committed his future to the North London club. (David Ornstein)

Departures

Manchester City assistant manager Rodolfo Borrell has officially left the club after almost a decade to become sporting director at Austin FC in the United States.