Pep Guardiola's biggest issue he must contend with at Manchester City is the ageing full-back crisis. At the moment, City have four full-backs over the age of 30. In June, Guardiola will lose Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna at right-back with the duo expected to depart the club following the end of their contracts.
Zabaleta, a nine-year veteran and self-proclaimed, "adapted Manc", will be a significant loss to City and the club needs to replace the Argentine rapidly.
Replacing both Zabaleta and Sagna won't be easy as the experience the two possess has proven invaluable at times this season. Nonetheless, the pair are regularly caught out for pace and no longer have the legs to bomb forward.
But who should Guardiola pursue? Here are five names the Spaniard should consider this summer.
#1 Kyle Walker – Tottenham Hotspur
Inarguably the most unlikely name on this list, Kyle Walker could prove invaluable for Pep Guardiola and offer the City boss a number of options when lining out his side on a weekly basis.
Walker has blossomed into a world-class full-back under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino. The England international has been credited with becoming one of the club's most important players as unlike before, Walker is now capable of both attacking and defending in equal measure.
According to The Independent, City intend to test Tottenham's resolve this summer with a bid for the 28-year-old. Walker recently rejected speculation surrounding his future in a Facebook Live Q&A by repeating, "Tottenham till I die".
Whether City could convince Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy to part with one of his prized assets remains to be seen. Either way, Guardiola is barking up the right tree if he's targeting players like Walker.
#2 Djibril Sidibe – AS Monaco
Former Lille right-back Sidibe has caused quite a storm in Ligue 1 this season by eclipsing his already superb performances from last season, but with new club AS Monaco.
The 24-year-old is now a regular starter for the France national team following his expansive displays for his club in recent months. Sidibe was an integral part of the AS Monaco side that eliminated Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this year.
His sheer power, presence, pace and superb attacking threat meant he gave the City full-backs no time to catch a breath in either match against Guardiola's side. Sidibe was linked with a move to Arsenal last summer, but he opted to remain in France and sign for Leonardo Jardim's youthful Monaco side.
Monaco may be willing to part with the Frenchman provided City meet the club's valuation, however, Monaco are not in a desperate position to sell.
#3 Hector Bellerin – Arsenal
Until Hector Bellerin signed a six-year contract in November, speculation was rife surrounding his future and Manchester City were mentioned as potential suitors for the Spanish international.
Bellerin was once an academy graduate at La Masia, however, the right-winger at the time never made the cut. Since moving to Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has established the Spaniard as one of the finest right-backs in European football.
Bellerin is arguably the most suited to Guardiola's style of play having been brought up in the academy Guardiola cherished so deeply during his tenure at Barcelona between 2008-2012.
Replacing Zabaleta with Bellerin would be a shrewd move by Guardiola, as the Latin presence within his side would still exist but more importantly, Bellerin can attack and defend in a similar vein to the Argentine.
However, Arsenal's valuation of £50 million may turn City heads away from a possible deal.
#4 Benjamin Henrichs – Bayer Leverkusen
With all the talk in Germany being whether the national side can replace Phillipp Lahm, Benjamin Henrichs has been earmarked as not only Bayern Munich's long-term replacement for Lahm, but also for Joachim Loew's side.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Henrichs is fast garnering a reputation for being one of the most complete right-backs in the continent. Despite being only 20 years old, Henrichs is already showing maturity beyond his years.
Manchester City have been linked with a move for the German international, and Sky Germany even reported that Pep Guardiola held discussions with the 20-year-old’s agent at a hotel near his home stadium.
Of all the names on this list, Henrichs is likely to cost the least with a fee in the region of €30million, but like Manchester City's investment in Leroy Sané last summer, it could prove an invaluable bargain in the long run.
#5 Fabinho – AS Monaco
An AS Monaco player appears for the second time on the list. Brazilian international Fabinho has been linked with a move to Manchester City more than any other player, and it's not difficult to understand why.
Following the arrival of Djibril Sidibe last summer, Leonardo Jardim opted to move Fabinho into a midfield role where he has excelled of late, most famously against Manchester City during both the legs of their Champions League tie.
In fact, Fabinho's father also confirmed that Manchester City were the most likely club in their eyes and refused to rule out the opportunity to work with Guardiola if he made a move for his son.
Fabinho has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in his new role, but it's more likely Guardiola would revert the Brazilian to his more natural right-back position if City convince Monaco to part with the 23-year-old.
