Manchester City will reportedly attempt to hijack Real Madrid's pursuit of one of Arsenal's star players in the summer transfer window.
After spending around £180m on four new signings in January, the Citizens will continue their squad rebuild in the summer, one that will be led by incoming sporting director Hugo Viana who is expected to target several younger players to address the age profile of Pep Guardiola's current squad.
A number of high-profile names could leave the Etihad Stadium as part of City's "brutal" rebuild, with injury-prone defenders Nathan Ake, 30, John Stones, 30, and Manuel Akanji, 29, among those who are believed to be facing uncertain futures at the club.
According to Madrid-based news outlet Defensa Central, Guardiola has 'called for a revolution' at Man City, and has opened the door for a number of under-performing players to leave this summer.
The report adds that while the addition of at least one new goalkeeper and midfielder is high on the agenda for City, they are also keen to strengthen their options in defence, and one surprise name has emerged as a potential target.
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Man City to rival Real Madrid for Saliba?
Indeed it is claimed that Man City are 'willing to put millions on the table' to sign Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, who has also being 'closely monitored' by La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are said to have identified Saliba as a potential target for the summer of 2026 when the Gunners defender has just one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
However, it has been suggested that Man City could test Arsenal's resolve this summer as they want to move ahead of Real Madrid in their pursuit of the 24-year-old Frenchman.
Regarded by many as one of the best defenders in world football, Saliba has established himself as an integral first-team player at Arsenal over the last three seasons following three successive years out on loan in Ligue 1.
Saliba has formed a strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back and Mikel Arteta's decision to integrate the former Saint-Etienne man into his first-team plans has helped Arsenal transform from a top-four hopeful in to Premier League title contenders in recent years.
Across all competitions, Saliba has played 123 times for Arsenal, including 28 Premier League starts and another seven in the Champions League this season.
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Could Man City really sign Saliba this summer?
Man City have history when it comes to signing players from Arsenal having previously lured the likes of Samir Nasri, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna from the Emirates, while Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have moved in the opposite direction in recent years.
Times have changed, though, and it seems highly unlikely that Arsenal would consider selling any of their star players, including Saliba, to a direct Premier League rival such as Man City.
Saliba is believed to be happy at Arsenal and it has previously been reported that the defender has told the Gunners in 'private' that he has no plans to leave the club.
Oliver Thomas
