Could a pair of Brazilian internationals be what is needed to add more depth and quality to Manchester City’s midfield this summer? Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes both appear to be on the world champions radar as they look to strengthen their midfield.
As the season has progressed, it has appeared that Pep Guardiola’s squad needs extra bodies in midfield. The heavy reliance on Rodri is well known. There has also appeared to be a need for more creativity in midfield. It was apparent during Sunday’s draw with Arsenal that if Kevin De Bruyne couldn’t find an incisive pass, City struggled to break down Arsenal’s low block. On occasions this season, it has appeared that Pep Guardiola’s squad needs another creative midfielder in their ranks.
A pair of Brazilian internationals could help alleviate those issues. Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta have both been linked with summer moves to Manchester City. Pete O’Rourke reports for footballinsider247.com that the world champions will make a move for Paqueta this summer. Spanish publication AS has previously reported that Pep Guardiola is eager to add a quality midfielder to his squad to help Rodri. Furthermore, AS adds that the Newcastle star is one of the options reportedly on Manchester City’s radar.
READ MORE: Lucas Paqueta showed he may be the ideal Manchester City signing against Newcastle.
Both players would be welcome additions to Manchester City’s squad. With their pedigree, they both have the quality to succeed at City. As Brazilian internationals, they also have the experience and have handled the immense pressure that comes with playing on a big stage. As players, they appear ideally suited to add an extra dimension to the world champions midfield.
Lucas Paqueta appears to be the ideal player to add more creativity to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The West Ham star has shown this season that his skillset is similar to Kevin De Bruyne. Another player with the eye to pick out a pass from midfield would be a huge addition to the champions. Paqueta’s game and his high workrate to track back and defend appears ideally suited to Pep Guardiola’s demands.
Bruno Guimaraes is a player who has thrived at Newcastle. He has become arguably Eddie Howe’s most important player during his spell at Newcastle. Speaking before Manchester City’s 2-nil FA Cup quarter-final win over Newcastle Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the Brazilian midfielder. When asked about Guimaraes, Guardiola said: “Exceptional holding midfielder. Aggressive, with the ball he pauses, in the games, he is aggressive. Now Newcastle wants to grow. I am quite sure that it will form part of its project for the next few years.”
If Manchester City do move to strengthen their midfield this Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes may well be on top of City’s shopping list their summer. The pair of Brazilian internationals appear well suited for life at the treble winners if they do arrive at the Etihad.
