Here are the Manchester City morning headlines for Thursday, July 23.
Foden aiming to improve further
Rising star Phil Foden has set himself the target of bettering this season’s goal and assist contributions next term.
The 20-year-old has been directly involved in 17 goals for City across all competitions throughout 2019/20 – his best haul yet.
That is not enough for Foden, though, who insists he can perform better and continue to do so on a consistent basis.
“Every year I try to get my stats higher in terms of goals and assists. I just wanted to improve from last season. And luckily I’ve done that in terms of both so I just want to improve again next year now," he said.
Foden has enjoyed more minutes on the pitch lately, rewarded for his patience with regular first-team opportunities by Pep Guardiola.
Top six battle it out for Dutch defender
City might not be the only club interested in a move for AFC Bournemouth defender Nathan Aké.
The former Chelsea man has attracted the gaze of many Premier League clubs this season, including a number of top six outfits, according to reports.
City rivals Manchester United and former club Chelsea are among the sides who could rival City’s own interest in the centre-back.
MEN Sport understands City have already made enquiries with Bournemouth over a potential switch. Reports in the Sun suggest City will be pushed to confirm Aké’s signing with Chelsea and United both keen on sprucing up their ailing defences.
Chelsea, in particular, could pose a threat, as it is widely understood the Blues still have a buy-back option on Aké.
Spaniard solidifying City’s rearguard
City midfielder Rodri has come in for praise from Guardiola lately.
The decorated Spaniard lauded the 24-year-old’s efforts, and his assimilation to the Premier League’s rigourous, fast-paced nature.
"He is a guy that is going to help us a lot, especially his mentality,” said Guardiola. “He is open-minded to learn and I'm happy for him.
"Rodri came from an important club in Spain in Atletico Madrid and it is not easy to be involved so quickly like he has done in the Premier League.”
City’s post-lockdown upturn in form can be attributed in part to the return of the defensive midfielder. The team have been free-scoring and defensively secure in games where Rodri has started, whereas when he has not played, City’s fixtures have proven to be much tighter contests.
