Manchester City begin talks for Marc Cucurella and Kalvin Phillips

21/22 Premier League Champions Manchester City look as keen as ever to bolster their title-
winning side with the addition of some young and promising talents.

After already sealing the deal for 22-year-old Argentine striker Julián Álvarez from River
Plate, City confirmed the arrival of Erling Haaland earlier this week, one of the most sought
after forwards across Europe.

The deal saw Haaland’s £51m release clause triggered and left him bidding farewell to the
Yellow Wall for the blue side of Manchester, an area he will know all too well after living in
England whilst his father, Alfie Haaland, represented the blue and white of City.

Manchester City not stopping with Erling Haaland signing

However, the five-time Premier League winners show no sign of stopping yet, as Guardiola
has made his interest in two targets clear to the board; Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella
and Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips – according to reputable transfer journalist
Fabrizio Romano.

23-year-old Spaniard Cucurella is ideal for the Blues to try and solve the squad’s left-back issue. The position has been rotated through the likes of Ake, Cancelo and Zinchenko and
with the latter rumoured to depart the club over the coming weeks, a replacement will be
crucial heading into a new title campaign.

Depth is also key for City considering the silverware on offer to the club; The Premier
League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and that elusive Champions League trophy can add strain
and injuries to the squad as it is, not to mention the 2022 World Cup taking place in
December mid-season, in which the majority of City’s starting eleven will be called up to
compete for their national team throughout the tournament.

Kalvin Phillips to fill Fernandinho void

This is likely part of the reason the board are looking towards the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ to
strengthen their defensive midfield options, especially following the departure of club captain
Fernandinho.

Rodri is usually deployed in front of the back line to control the game and help do
what Guardiola does best with his team – dominate possession – which means if Phillips did
make the switch, he would likely be used as a second option for the Spaniard.

At Leeds United, Phillips is undoubtedly a fan favourite, having come through the academy,
being a boyhood fan of the club and being a key figure in Leeds’ promotion back to the top
division, he would break the hearts of their loyal supporters if he was to agree to a transfer away.

Manchester City have also confirmed their intentions of keeping new arrival Álvarez at the
club for the 22/23 campaign, despite the prolific youngster attracting lots of interest.