Are Manchester City targeting younger players with fresh legs for next season?

During Sunday’s frustrating nil-all draw with Arsenal, it has become apparent that the Manchester City squad appears fatigued. Off the back of last season’s treble success, the amount of football played by Pep Guardiola’s squad is bound to catch up his team. With this in mind, are Manchester City targeting younger players with fresh legs in the summer window?

Pep Guardiola has routinely changed his tactical setup during his reign as Manchester City manager. During the Centurions campaign, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling were the preferred wingers. Their pace and ability in wide areas tore opposition teams to shreds as City hit the 100-point mark during the 2017/18 season. But last season saw Guardiola shift towards more control of games with Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva preferred in the wide areas as City claimed the treble. But this season has seen the City squad appear tired as their heavy fixture load and international exertions catch up to the squad.

Recently, the champions have been linked to Bayern Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong. Phil Thomas of the Sun has reported that City could battle it out with Manchester United for his services. Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Manchester City have a deal is in place for Girona winger Savio. Both players are younger, will have fresh legs, and will add speed and technical ability to City’s squad if they were to arrive this summer.

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There is also the potential of Lucas Paqueta and Joshua Kimmich arriving this summer. Pete O’Rourke reports for footballinsider247.com that City will make a move for Paqueta this summer. Dean Jones also told Give Me Sport that Kimmich may have his heart set on a move to Manchester City. While both players are older, they would bring in fresh legs and more quality to the treble winners squad.

It does appear that City’s squad is in need of fresh legs. Perhaps not an overhaul of the squad, but some younger, fresher legs may benefit the world champions. Pep Guardiola prefers to work with a smaller squad. It has been well known during his time at City. Though he may need to adjust to cater for the amount of football being played. With more games added to the football calendar, needs may dictate a change in Guardiola’s preferred squad size.

Manchester City has been incredible to be fighting on three fronts again this season after such a heavy workload in recent seasons. But some fresh legs and a slightly bigger squad next season could carry the champions to more success in the near future. It does appear that they are targeting just this in the upcoming summer window.