Manchester City identify Premier League coach as ideal successor for Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium: Reports

According to El Nacional, Manchester City have identified Roberto De Zerbi as Pep Guardiola's potential successor at the club.

Guardiola's current deal with City will run out in 2025. The Spaniard has already won it all with the Cityzens, with the 2022-23 season being his best as he led the Manchester club to a historic European treble. That meant City also won their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy last season.

The Spaniard has led the Sky Blue to five Premier League trophies and the Champions League, among other trophies. However, the fairytale might not last forever and Pep Guardiola could call time on his stint at the club upon the expiration of his deal in 2025.

Having achieved it all in club football with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, Guardiola could like to try his hands at international management. Retirement could be another possibility for the legendary manager.

Hence, City are reportedly eyeing a replacement in case Guardiola leaves. De Zerbi has emerged as a top target for the club. He has done a phenomenal job with Brighton & Hove Albion after Graham Potter left for Chelsea at the start of the 2022-23 season.

De Zerbi led the Seagulls to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season. As a result, they secured a place in the UEFA Europa League for the first time in their history.

De Zerbi is one of the top-rated managers in English football at the moment and could be a great successor to Guardiola at the Etihad. The El Nacional report, though, added that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has previously served as Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, is also on the club's shortlist.

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How have Pep Guardiola's Manchester City performed in the Premier League this season?

Expectations are sky-high from Manchester City this season after they won the European treble last term. Pep Guardiola's side are among the favorites for every competition they are playing in this season.

City are currently second in the Premier League table with 21 points from nine games. They are two points behind Tottenham Hotspur at this moment. The reigning English champions will next play Manchester United in the league on October 29.

However, ahead of the clash at Old Trafford, City will lock horns with Young Boys in a UEFA Champions League group stage away game on October 25. Manchester City are atop Group G at the moment, having won both of their matches.