Ex-Barcelona star Xavi claims Manchester City want Dele Alli this summer – but would he fit in at the Etihad?

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If exclusive reports in The Sun over the last day are anything to go by, then Barcelona and Spain midfield maestro Xavi has revealed Pep Guardiola’s intentions of signing Dele Alli this summer.

Xavi – who was extremely close to the Manchester City manager during their time spent at Barcelona together – has claimed Guardiola wants to sign the young England midfielder in a shock swoop.

The 21-year-old has had another outstanding season for Tottenham, leading their Premier League title challenge, and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year just last week for the second time.

Xavi, speaking to The Sun, said:

“I speak with Pep, and I know he thinks it is important to sign English players.

“I am sure in the summer he will look also across Europe for players to improve the squad, but also I expect him to look in the Premier League as well.”

Speaking directly about Alli, the World-Cup winner continued:

“Technically he is the sort of player that Pep likes, the sort of player that suits the style of game that Pep likes his teams to play. We’re looking at a very special player.”

City had previously been linked with Tottenham’s England trio of Danny Rose, Kyle Walker and Alli, but it now seems that Guardiola is setting his sights firmly on the young midfielder.

Reports suggest the Manchester side could be forced into breaking the record transfer fee to sign the England youngster but Guardiola is willing to meet Alli’s extremely high financial demands.

What could Alli bring to Manchester City?

During his interview with The Sun Xavi claims that Alli is “the best English player there is and one of the best in Europe” at present, and it’s hard to disagree with him after another monumental season.

16 goals in just 31 Premier League appearances is backed up with five assists from his number ten role behind Harry Kane, a relatively astonishing return in a campaign from a midfielder.

His ability on and off the ball has improved hugely this season, building up chemistry with his teammates around, but the best thing about Alli is that he’s not limited; he’s a genuine all-rounder.

Whereas the likes of Leroy Sane at Manchester City are known for pure pace, Alli is a mix of everything a manager could possibly desire; skillful on the ball, able to have the vision to pick out a pass and the execution to make it, propensity to find the back of the net and ability to be strong in the tackle.

It’s the true mark of a world-class footballer, and at the tender age of 21 there’s a chance that he’s nowhere near reaching his peak yet – a scary thought for other sides in the Premier League.

Alli also clearly thrives having world-class players around him; playing alongside Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son has brought the best out of him, and the likes of Sane, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne could have an identical effect on him if he made the move to City.

Would a move to the Etihad Stadium prove successful?

With Pep Guardiola set to end a season without a trophy for the first time in his managerial career after Manchester City’s FA Cup exit last weekend, there’s a need to invest heavily this summer.

With Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus proving to be acute signings, the Spaniard could do well to keep bringing in youth to his squad in order to mount a challenge for the Premier League next campaign.

Alli is the epitome of homegrown talent at the moment, and the thought of having him alongside, Jesus, Sane, Silva, De Bruyne and potentially Aguero next season is a tantalising thought for any Manchester City fan and a nightmare situation for every Premier League defensive line.

Despite only being 21-years-old he has a maturity beyond his years after what he’s achieved so young, and his inherent knowledge of the Premier League already can only benefit Guardiola’s side.

Guardiola is also accustomed to working and nurturing young talent during his Barcelona and Bayern Munich days, so there’s no doubt that he’s the right man to continue Alli’s development as a player.

Is a summer switch to Tottenham’s rivals likely?

It’s certainly not out of the question, but to re-iterate what Xavi says in the report, Alli is certainly not a player that Tottenham will want to let go easily, especially considering their progress this season.

Yet Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are growing something special at the Etihad with the youth that is coming in to the side, and with the financial resources that the Citizens possess they are more than capable of eclipsing Paul Pogba’s record transfer fee of £89 million to acquire Alli’s signature.

Ultimately the hopes of a move will come down to Alli’s personal preference, and with him enjoying his best season ever at White Hart Lane it could take some level of persuasion to convince him to leave.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Oliver Oliu.