Pep Guardiola’s summer revamp plans at Manchester City seems to have gathered pace in last few hours after Telegraph reported that Spanish international
Nolito is expected in Manchester later today to complete his medical before he pens a three-year contract. According to the reports, the expected transfer fee for the Spanish International is believed to be in the region of £13.8million.
The report suggests that City triggered Nolito’s buy-out clause last month and were waiting for Euro 2016 to get over before they could officially unveil the player at Etihad. The 29-year old had a very good 2015/16 season where he scored 12 league goals for Celta Vigo and broke in to the national side.
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Nolito was even linked with a move to Arsenal last January and earlier this summer, however, Guardiola had earmarked him to be his key signing this summer and he looks set to make a swoop for the crafty attacker.
Nolito becomes City’s second marquee summer signing after Ilkay Gundogan completed his £21million transfer from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
Where would Nolito be used by Guardiola?
Until Guardiola takes over at City, we cannot foresee his preferred tactics at Etihad. He could go with his trusted 4-3-3 or look to create a new system altogether like he did at Bayern Munich. For now, it is believed that Guardiola will use a 4-3-3 system with Gundogan, Fernandinho and David Silva forming the central midfield.
As for the front three, Nolito and Raheem Sterling are expected to flank the wings with Sergio Aguero tipped to be the leading striker for Manchester City next season. All of this, however, could change in coming weeks as Pep looks to do a complete squad overhaul at the Etihad.
Who is next in line for Pep?
According to Manchester Evening News, City will do everything possible to ensure Everton’s John Stones is signed this summer. Guardiola sees him in the same mode as Gerard Pique and Jerome Boateng who can play the ball out from the back with a great deal of ease. Guardiola likes to have a ball-playing central defender in his side to ensure a smoother passing rhythm.
Everton have put a £40million price tag on Stones, which is not seen as a hurdle by City. They are, in fact, believed to be waiting for the player to be back from his Euro 2016 duties before making an official bid. Stones, 22 did not play a single game for England at the Euros before the Three Lions were brutally knocked out in the Round of 16 stage by Iceland.
