So far this summer, Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City have been unusually quiet as far as transfer activity is concerned.
It seems as though one of the richest ownership groups in football has forgotten that the summer window is even open.
However, today Roberto Mancini has said that his current City squad have no chance of winning the Champions League.
Mancini, frustrated at City’s failure to sign any new players this summer, does not believe his squad is good enough to build on their title triumph with glory in Europe.
Instead Mancini has set his club the target of retaining the Premier League and a more modest aim of reaching the Champions League knockout stage, something they failed to do last season.
“Defending the title should be our target this year,” the Italian stated.
“If we also go well in the Champions League, there could also be a chance that we can arrive in the quarter, semi-final or final.
“We will try to win it but it’s important, for this, that we have a good squad.
“But I don’t think we can play for the Champions League with this squad. That is my opinion, so for this reason we have to buy.
As always, Manchester city have been linked to a number of players, however, Roberto Mancini has refused to confirm any potential deals.
The City boss did reveal the clubs intent to bring new players to the Etihad, however no names of players have been revealed.
Until any deals are confirmed, we can only speculate. But here’s a look at some of the Manchester clubs potential signings this summer.
Robin van Persie
For several weeks now, City have been locked in a transfer battle with rivals United and Italian giants Juventus for the signature of Robin van Persie
Since refusing a new contract with current club Arsenal, the Dutch striker has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates.
Recently however, United have become favourites to sign the player, with City sinking into the background. Mancini has denied the possibility of a deal, but from previous experience, you can never rule City out.
I’m not sure how Van Persie would fit into the current side, Mancini’s team already contains 4 top class strikers (Aguero, Tevez, Balotelli & Dzeko.) I feel the Arsenal mans talent would be wasted if he became just another rotation option at the Etihad.
Van Persie will obviously consider this factor when choosing where to play next season, this will be a big influence when he eventually decides.
Strengths: With pace and skill in abundance, this forward can change a game in an instant with his ability to achieve the improbable. He is technically excellent with the vision to unlock a defence too.
Weaknesses: His injury problems have been well documented, and perhaps sometimes he takes the difficult option when a simple pass would suffice. Not great in the air and there have also been question marks over his temperament.
Edison Cavani
Cavani seems fairly settled at Napoli, however with Manchester City’s almost infinte finances, a transfer is more than possible.
In 35 Serie A appearances for Napoli last season, Cavani scored 23 times. Clearly the Uruguayan has an eye for goal.
In addition he scored 3 times across two Champions League group stage fixtures against Manchester City themselves. This ultimately knocked Roberto Mancini’s side out of the competition.
He would be a great signing for the Manchester club, however he’d probably find himself in the same situation as Van Persie, as a rotation option.
Having recently promised his loyalty to Napoli, it would take a big offer to tempt Cavani away from the Italy.
Therefore, only one question remains; is it worth spending the a large sum of cash on another striker, or should the money be invested elsewhere?
Strengths: Powerful and strong, he is a commanding presence up front who can hold onto the ball and is not afraid to get his head on a cross, but most importantly he is a natural finsher when in front of goal.
Weaknesses: His eagerness to work defensively for the team can draw him too deep and his passing is not on a par with his finishing.
Gaston Ramirez
Ramirez has been a target for several Premier league clubs, including Manchester City.
The 21-year-old is currently representing Uruguay in the London 2012 Olympics, so no decision would be made until the games are over. However, with still over one month to go until the transfer window closes, Mancini has plenty of time to sign the attacking midfielder.
Ramirez would provide City with another option in attack. Although, I currently wouldn’t consider him good enough to be a first team player at the club.
He currently plays his domestic football with Bologna in the Serie A, But he has been given permission to leave the club after expressing his desire to move.
Gaston Ramirez Transfer Scouting Report
Ramirez is definitely a player for the future. He could provide Manchester City with an excellent player for years to come.
Daniele de Rossi
Daniele de Rossi has been linked with Manchester City for over 12 months now. An already experienced central defensive midfielder, De Rossi has proved his class at both club and international level.
During this summer’s Euro 2012 tournament, he impressed for Italy as his side made it to the final.
Mancini had been desperate to sign the Roma playmaker last summer and in the January transfer window, but the money men at City refused to sanction the deal and the Italian signed a new contract with the Serie A side which ties him to the club until 2017.
Frustrated at a lack of signings this summer, Mancini has been pestering football director Brian Marwood to back his move for the 29-year-old. Mancini now seems to have got his way with City ready to pay just under £24m for the player.
De Rossi will probably rotate with Yaya Toure on a regular basis if he moves to the Etihad. He would then act as cover for the Ivorian during January when he leaves to compete in the African cup of Nations.
Although, based on Mancini’s love for De Rossi, he may even become the clubs first choice defensive midfielder. Toure has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona during the last month or so and the Italian’s arrival at City could signal the end of Yaya’s spell in England.
Strengths: Tough tackler and his versatility means he can play in a defensive or attacking role with great consistency.
Weaknesses: Temperament is his main problem and he is a little hot-headed. He also does not contribute many goals.
Daniel Agger
According to various sources, including the Guardian, Man City have today made a shock £13 million bid for Liverpool defender Daniel Agger.
Having failed to sign a contract with the club, the Danish skipper has told Liverpool that he wants to leave Anfield this summer. With Kolo Toure seemingly on his way out of Mancini’s side, Agger would be an ideal replacement for the current Premier league champions.
Agger has also attracted the interest of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, that’s City are current favourites to sign the 27-year-old.
Strengths: Strong, powerful and committed in the tackle, he has a good reading of the game and positions himself well to make interceptions. Has a rocket of a left-foot shot too.
Weaknesses: For a man of his size, he is not dominating in the air, has a short fuse when he is not playing regularly and has suffered a host of injury concerns.