With the end of the 2012/13 season fast approaching, the summer transfer window will be open and Manchester City will no doubt set out to make more improvements to their squad.
There have been rumours, talks of deals and names everyone wants to see join Roberto Mancini’s current set-up. Here’s a look at the players who have been linked with a move to the Etihad within the last few weeks.
Edinson Cavani
Potential City target Edinson Cavani has hinted he could be ready for a move away from Napoli this summer.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan has long been linked with the Blues after impressing against them in last season’s Champions League.
His fine form has continued this season with 29 goals and City boss Roberto Mancini is a known admirer of the striker.
Cavani told La Repubblica: “I’m fine in Naples, but in football there are lots of things to consider.
“I can only say that I will give my all in this shirt until the last day I wear it.”
The Blues have also been linked with a move for 27-year-old Bayern Munich star Mario Gomez.
City are on the lookout for a new forward after Mario Balotelli’s exit to AC Milan left them with just three senior first team strikers.
Mario Gomez
City are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez and will make a move for the striker, if their bid to land Cavani fails to materialize.
Gomez has fallen down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena this season, with Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic given preference over the German for a place in the starting XI.
Gomez has only made nine starts in all competitions for Bayern this season but has made the most of his opportunities, scoring 10 goals. The 27-year-old was the top scorer for the Bavarians last season, netting 40 goals in all competitions, including 12 in the Champions League. The player’s agent Uli Ferber has hinted his client would listen to other offers.
Adam Maher
City are leading the race to sign long-term target Adam Maher in the summer, according to reports from Europe.
London clubs Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea have been previously linked with the Moroccan-born schemer, but the Blues appear to be in pole position.
City are reported to have opened negotiations with the player’s representatives over a summer move to the Etihad for an expected fee of around £15.4million.
Maher has made four international appearances for Holland and has scored eight goals and 10 assists in 32 games in the Eredivisie this term.
The reigning Premier League champions have been missing some creativity in midfield as they look set to lose their crown this season – with Maher previously being touted as a potential replacement for underperforming Samir Nasri.
Sam Byram
Leeds teenager Sam Byram could emerge as a shock summer transfer to the Etihad this summer.
The right back, 19, is top of a list of English players City manager Roberto Mancini wants to bring in.
Essex-born Byram, who started his career at York, established himself at Leeds this season and impressed Mancini when Leeds played City in the FA Cup.
The deal is worth about £6m up front with add-ons and City may let Byram return to Yorkshire on loan.
City are not the only Premier League team tracking Essex-born Byram.
West Brom, Stoke and Wigan are also keeping tabs on him, but City will be red-hot favourites if Leeds fail to win promotion from the Championship and cash-in on their prize asset.
To read more of our Transfer Series articles, click here! or follow the links below.
- Chelsea Summer Transfer Targets Episode 2
- Manchester United Summer Transfer Targets Episode 2
- Arsenal Summer Transfer Targets Episode 2