Man City now willing to grant Pep request to go for £190k-p/w Arsenal star

As Manchester City look to rebuild, Pep Guardiola has reportedly personally requested that the Blues make a statement move to hijack one of Arsenal’s best players.

Man City eyeing Dias upgrade

Whilst the international break at least ceased the Citizens’ misery before they impressively earned their way into the FA Cup last four over Bournemouth, it didn’t take long for injury to strike once more. In a season full of absentees, Erling Haaland became the latest to limp off against Bournemouth and it’s bad news for the Norwegian superstar.

Following their latest injury blow, it remains to be seen whether that will be the final nail in the coffin for Manchester City’s Champions League hopes. Even if that does prove to be the case, however, they’re reportedly looking to make a statement this summer.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now willing to grant Guardiola’s request to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer in what would be one of the moves of the summer.

Not only would they be signing one of their rivals’ most influential players, but they would also be taking him out of the clutches of Real Madrid, who have been eyeing another free deal upon the Frenchman’s contract expiry in 2027.

If the Citizens are to solve their defensive problems once and for all then signing Saliba should certainly be among their priorities this summer. Whether they’re in a position to lure the impressive centre-back away from the Gunners is another question, however.

“Superb” Saliba is one of the best

At 24 years old, Saliba is at the peak of his powers and that peak has taken him among the best in the world in his position. The Frenchman carries every trait needed to be a top defender in the modern game and represents a player that Guardiola is almost certain to love just as Mikel Arteta does at Arsenal.

Praising his star as early as his Premier League debut, the Arsenal boss told reporters in 2022

Only getting better ever since, there’s every argument that Saliba would become Manchester City’s best defender if he completed a shock move to the Etihad this summer.

Earning a reported £190,000-a-week at Arsenal, Saliba has proved to be worth every penny and the same would be said if he joined Manchester City in the coming months.