Manchester City are anticipated to enter the summer transfer market in order to compete for honors on all fronts in 2023-24 and beyond. Inflationary transfer prices aren't a problem for the most successful Premier League team in the previous decade, but it doesn't stop them from walking away from a transaction that isn't economically viable. Adding top-quality players to a group already full of famous names isn't simple, but City seldom makes mistakes in the transfer market, so players arrive with high expectations. With less than four months until the summer transfer market opens, we look at five players who Man City might target for the 2023-24 season.
Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol, a central defender for RB Leipzig, is expected to be the target of a bidding battle between Premier League teams this summer, with Manchester City and Chelsea the most likely destinations. Since joining Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in 2021, the 21-year-old has taken his game to new heights, appearing in 78 games across all competitions. He is also a fixture on the international scene, having played a major role in Croatia's third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.
Ben Chilwell
Pep Guardiola is anxious to improve his defensive options after being limited at full-back. As a result, Manchester City is considering a deal for Ben Chilwell. Prior to his transfer to Chelsea, City allegedly sought to sign the left-back in 2020, but he has struggled for fitness this season after suffering a protracted hamstring injury. It remains to be seen if Chelsea would be willing to trade Chilwell in the summer, but permanent departures are likely as the Blues try to balance their books after spending heavily in the past two transfer windows.
Mateo Kovacic
Manchester City is interested in signing Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic in order to poach talent from other Premier League teams. With only a year left on his contract when the transfer market opens, the 28-year-old will almost certainly be available for a bargain, especially given the Blues' need to sell in order to comply with Financial Fair Play requirements after spending so much in the previous two seasons.
Kaoru Mitoma
With City said to be looking for a new winger, Brighton & Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma has surfaced as a possible target after a great debut season at the Amex Stadium. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has described the 25-year-old as a "crucial" component of the first-team squad after he has contributed nine goals and six assists in 27 appearances for the European-chasing Seagulls this season.
Declan Rice
Manchester City plans to make a move for West Ham's Declan Rice. For many transfer windows, speculation about the West Ham captain's future has lingered, but as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, there is a sense that this summer will finally see him leave the London Stadium. With fewer than 16 months left on his contract, the 24-year-old is 'almost certain' to leave the London Stadium this summer in order to advance his career and fulfill his ambition of playing in the Champions League.
