Manchester City's top four transfer targets this summer

Manchester City are already a team of supreme talent, who won the Premier League last season by accumulating 100 points and breaking five records in the process. It seems as if every area of their squad is impeccable, so what more could Pep Guardiola do to strengthen his side?

Well, we know that Guardiola was after Jorginho to plug some of the gaps in the City midfield, with the aim of bringing in younger players to learn from, and eventually take the places of, aging City squad members. However, that plan fell through after Jorginho chose Chelsea instead. Naturally, Man City and their fans were furious, which has now made them more determined to bring in players as soon as possible.

Riyad Mahrez recently signed from Leicester for £60m and will undoubtedly be a threat to the opposition on the flanks. But it is the midfield and defence that needs a bit of work in order to tie up the loose ends. Guardiola is likely aware of this fact, hence his interest in these players coming up;

Here are Manchester City's top four transfer targets this summer.

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#4 Daniel Arzani

Daniel Arzani.

Daniel Arzani was linked with Manchester City prior to his impressive performances at the World Cup this summer for Australia. But now the 19-year-old might be of huge interest to the Citizens, according to Manchester Evening News, especially when you consider that he is part of the City Football Group at Melbourne City. This means that his development is bound to be monitored a lot more closely by Man City than any other club.

How might Daniel Arzani fit into the current Man City squad?

This is where trouble might ensue insofar as Arzani's future is concerned. If he moves to a team like Man City, there would be serious doubt about his game time, and he would likely be loaned out and used very little. The same happened to Aaron Mooy: he was signed from Melbourne in 2014, immediately loaned out to Huddersfield, then sold for £8m a year later.

Having said that, Arzani is undoubtedly a very promising young player and could get game time in the League Cup as well as the early stages of the FA Cup, but minutes in the Premier League starting XI is doubtful.

Arzani has great technique, pace, and vision for a teenager, which has set him apart from the rest in his age bracket. If utilized by Guardiola, he would be a menace down the flanks and an occasional threat on goal.

Rumor probability: 7/10

Due to the fact that Arzani is embedded in the City Football Group at Melbourne City, the likelihood of a transfer to the group's main club, Manchester City, would be high.

But former Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has warned against such a leap: "I wouldn't go to Man City or Juve or a big club because he won't play. Sure, he might go there and get loaned out, but then you're putting your destiny in the club's hands."

#3 Benjamin Pavard

Benjamin Pavard.

Benjamin Pavard has just come off the back of an impressive season at VfB Stuttgart, followed by a sublime World Cup campaign that saw his country, France, win the trophy. It is inevitable, then, that the best clubs from around the world will be after his signature this summer. However, Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that Man City face an uphill challenge if they plan to prevent him from joining Bayern Munich.

How might Benjamin Pavard fit into the current Man City squad?

Pavard can play as both center-back and right-back, which would be invaluable to the style of football that Man City play. If Guardiola was to utilize a back three, there is no doubt that Pavard would feature in it. His turn-of-pace, agility, and strength to out-muscle an opponent off the ball are what makes him such an attractive player.

Rumor probability: 4/10

With Benjamin Pavard already settled in Germany at VfB Stuttgart, a top club based in the same country might be a more alluring prospect to the 22-year-old. Bayern Munich is an elite footballing team with as much to offer as Manchester City, so the deal might already be set in stone - and not in City's favor.

#2 Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard.

The Daily Star reported that Manchester City is keen on Eden Hazard this summer, but concede that he's likely to join Real Madrid instead.

Hazard has been Chelsea's star player for several consecutive seasons now, and it's understandable why he's seeking something new elsewhere. Man City are a possible destination, but having won most of what there is to win in the Premier League, he might prefer a move abroad for a new challenge.

How might Eden Hazard fit into the current Man City squad?

Hazard has made it known to all who've watched him in the Premier League for the last few years just how good he is down the flanks. He has the ability to skip past defenders without breaking a sweat, and often tends to turn inside and shoot, which puts the opposition's defence on edge.

However, with Raheem Sterling being a solid contender for the right flank, and Leroy Sane a firm starter for the left flank, Hazard might face more of a struggle to get as much game time as he does at Chelsea. This problem has now been exacerbated following the recent signing of Riyad Mahrez.

Rumor probability: 5/10

Hazard told the press after Belgium versus England game that "after six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different. I can decide where I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision - if they want to let me go. You know my preferred destination."

Based off of this, Hazard looks set for the exit at Chelsea, but where he might end up? Nobody knows. With Real Madrid in the race for his signature, the "preferred destination" might be an obvious one.

#1 Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic.

Mateo Kovacic has been linked with Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal and now Manchester City. But it is City's interest that has forced Madrid to slap a price tag on the Croatian ace. The Daily Star has said that Madrid will only sanction the sale for Kovacic if a club can match the £80m valuation in the coming months.

Considering Man City's club-record fee was broken last week after they purchased Riyad Mahrez for £60m, a deal worth £80m could be somewhat of a stretch - but it's still very possible.

How might Mateo Kovacic fit into the current Man City squad?

Guardiola would look towards Kovacic as the ideal midfielder to complete his title-winning squad. The 24-year-old has showcased his vision, passing and dribbling on the world stage this summer. He would slot seamlessly into the City line-up, and would likely serve to augment De Bruyne in the attacking role.

Rumor probability: 4/10

It's no longer a secret that Kovacic wants to move on from Madrid in order to get game time, and City could definitely offer him that in the Premier League. However, the biggest setback this sort of deal would face is purely the cost. £80m is a very hefty sum and we know that City Football Group only tends to opt for astute purchases; signing a player with no former Premier League experience for such a huge amount of money is a big gamble.