If this season has proven anything it is that Manchester City are far from what they aspire to be. Pep Guardiola has a long way to go, but now that he's got a reported £250 million summer budget, the club may be many steps closer.
This gigantic amount of money (reportedly) gives Guardiola several options of whose services he may pursue. The first names reported are that of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund, Koke from Atlético Madrid, Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton, William Carvalho from Sporting, and even Lionel Messi from Barcelona, although that's probably not true.
Word has it that City have already made moves to sign Carvalho for £30 million to bolster Guardiola’s midfield options. This could mean the end for Fabian Delph or Fernando, but Guardiola may try to retain them as well and rotate the squad next season.
The Sun report that City have told Barcelona they are willing to smash the world record transfer fee and swap £100 million for Lionel Messi. While this rumor is reported every year and is probably not true again, seeing the best player on the planet pulling on a Sky Blue shirt would be a tear-jerker.
Pep will also focus on repairing the broken defense by signing two fullbacks, two central defenders and a goalkeeper. At this moment, reported fullback targets are Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Ryan Bertrand and Jose Gayà. The two targeted central defenders will likely be Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao and Van Dijk, each valued at around £50 million. Despite having a buy back clause on Geronimo Rulli, City seem to favor Benfica’s Ederson Moraes to replace the lackluster Claudio Bravo.
Manchester City will undoubtedly be in the market for top players once the season comes to a conclusion. Pep Guardiola knows what he needs and he will not stop spending until he is satisfied with what players he has at his disposal.