Thursday 20 July 2017 08:49, UK
Pep Guardiola insists he is happy with his attacking options at Manchester City, but does want up to four more new signings this summer.
City's goal-scoring options have already been boosted this summer by the arrival of attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva from Monaco for £43m, while goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, defender Kyle Walker and midfielder Douglas Luiz have also joined.
Guardiola was reluctant to go into detail about how talks for the Brazilian defender are progressing but did confirm he is one of a number of players City are pursuing.
"We have many options for players that are coming but until the deal is done, out of respect for the other clubs, I cannot say anything," Guardiola said. "But he is one option that we have.
"We are talking with three or four players to try and get them to come to join us - not only for next season but for the next three, four or five years. They are all young players. We need that."
The City head coach was also coy when asked about Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy, who City have also been in advanced negotiations to sign.
"It is like the case of Danilo and the other ones. We have targets with Danilo and with the other ones and we are going to see what happens," Guardiola continued.
"But now Mendy is a Monaco player so that is why I have to try and be quiet with my comments."
Sky sources understand City are interested in bringing Chilean star Alexis Sanchez to the Etihad Stadium this summer, but Arsene Wenger has been adamant this week that Sanchez will not be leaving Arsenal.
And though Guardiola admits he would like three or four more new additions, he says he is content with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus as his striking options, and expects German winger Leroy Sane to continue improving in his second season.
Guardiola explained: "We have two really good strikers with Sergio and Gabriel. In that position we are good.
"The problem we had last season was Gabriel was out for a long time and I would like to have both Sergio and Gabriel play more games together.
"Last season, we had a lack of goals despite creating a lot of chances. It was a little bit of a problem.
"Of course the responsibility to score goals is not just on Sergio and Gabriel. It is also on the wingers.
"But Sane had a very good six months in the second half of the season. He was outstanding and made a huge step forward. In the beginning he was a bit shy but he showed his quality."
When asked about Wenger's comments this week regarding Sanchez's future, Guardiola was keen to play down City's interest.
"Alexis is a player from Arsenal. If Arsene said that it is because he knows more than me," Guardiola said.
Guardiola also again ruled out any possibility that Sergio Aguero - who Chelsea are interested in as a replacement for Diego Costa - could be sold this summer.
"You know my opinion about Sergio. I said many times last season and I haven't changed any words about what I have said. He is our player and he will remain here," Guardiola said.
Guardiola did deny reports in the Italian media that City are pursuing Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina and said Claudio Bravo will be staying to compete with new signing Ederson next season.
"Claudio Bravo will be a player for Manchester City," Guardiola confirmed. "Definitely. 100 per cent."
One player who does look set to leave City is striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has been close to moving to Leicester City.
Guardiola confirmed a deal could be completed in the coming days but said City are keen to insert a buy-back clause in any deal to sell the Nigerian.
"He is a young player. It was an honour to work with him. He was a guy who it was not easy for because I did not give him a lot of chances and his behaviour was good," Guardiola said.
"He was close to making a transfer but he decided to stay in Manchester. Maybe next week or in the next ten days it is going to finish.
"We have an option to have the opportunity in a few years to bring him back.
"But he is a young player and we believe he deserves to play. He needs to play at that age."
