Manchester City has suffered two defeats in the past two weeks at the hands of Crystal Palace and Leicester City, and the gap between Manchester City and Liverpool has increased to seven points. The defeats have not only hampered their chance to defend the title but has also re-ignited the race for the second spot in the Premier League
.
Although the Manchester outfit enjoys a lot of possession against any opposition, they always seem a little frail when facing a counter-attacking side. The injuries to Kevin de Bruyne and İlkay Gündoğan has weakened the midfield as well. The left-back position has been a position of concern for the Spanish mastermind as Benjamin Mendy's injury seems forever to recover. Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko who have been playing as makeshift left-backs have not been able to fill Mendy's boots.
In order to stay a dominant force in the Premier League and to compete for the Champions League, the Manchester outfit will need to sign players who can execute Guardiola's plans effectively.
#3 Ben Chilwell
Leicester City are having a mixed campaign and currently see themselves seventh on the table. Ben Chilwell has been a consistent performer for Claude Puel's side. The 22-year-old has been a vital player in the squad and has grown in reputation over the course of the season. Chilwell is a player who can not only play as a left-back but can also be deployed as a left midfielder.
The England international would help Manchester City immensely as he is capable of adapting to different roles and loves to play short passes too which is a key attribute to Guardiola's team. Chilwell is aerially strong and also has the ability to whip in crosses.
The £23m rated left-back is still young and would prosper under Pep Guardiola. Although his contract runs until the summer of 2024, City can pay a higher price to get Chilwell on their books.
#2 Houssem Aouar
Houssem Aouar is another French talent who has the promise to become one of the best midfielders in the future. The 20-year-old has been one of the finest players in the Lyon side. Aouar is a technically gifted player who loves to create chances for his teammates. The Frenchman, alongside Tanguy Ndombele, has been one of the best midfield pairings in Europe this season.
Although Manchester City has enormous creative talent at their disposal, Aouar could provide them with the spark that has been missing since the injury to Kevin de Bruyne. Aouar is a player who could very easily replace the ageing David Silva.
Houssem Aouar has already bagged 6 goals in Ligue 1 and has received three man of the match awards. He likes to play on the counter-attack too and could be used to devastating effect, with pacey players like Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling in attack.
#1 Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi has been one of the first names on the wishlist of many big clubs for some time. The Inter No. 9 has been the best player for the club over the last few years. Icardi not only provides finishing to his team but is also capable of holding the ball up the field. In the last season, he scored 29 goals in 34 appearances which helped Inter to qualify for the Champions League.
The 25-year-old is a world class striker and needs to sign for a bigger club in order to get more recognition. With Sergio Aguero not fully fit and Gabriel Jesus having a bad season, Mauro Icardi could be the player to turn City's fortunes. The Argentine guarantees goals and would prove to be the signing of the season.
The £90m rated star would be an asset for the Manchester outfit in the future too. He already has scored 9 goals in 14 appearances in Serie A. Icardi might be an expensive signing but he would surely be worth every penny spent on him.
If Guardiola can secure any of these players they would definitely become a better team and would also have players who could become future superstars.