Manchester City don't have much to worry about this summer.
Last year's transfer window was uncharacteristically busy as changes swept through the club with several players departing the Etihad and even more pitching up. With the additions of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, City's front line is sorted for the foreseeable.
Defence may need a bit of attention depending on the fates of Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo but otherwise, it's a new quality midfielder Pep Guardiola would like to add the most. However, the best possible signing City could make in Jude Bellingham appears increasingly likely to join Real Madrid instead.
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So who should City sign? Our writers have had their say on possible alternatives...
Joe Bray
Bellingham is the stand-out midfielder on the market, and any alternative would be a downgrade. For me, it's imperative that Ilkay Gundogan stays, especially with Bernardo Silva's long-term stance that he'd be open to a move away from England. In terms of getting someone in, the only other option I can see is Declan Rice.
Even if Gundogan stays, he won't be at City for longer than two or three years, so Rice could be a natural long-term replacement. He has shown with England he can play alongside another defensive-minded player, and would take the pressure off Rodri playing as many games as he has this season. And Rice's relationship with Kalvin Phillips from international duty could also save that particular transfer from being a complete waste as it's threatening to be.
Aside from that, it's hard to see who else is good enough for City, and also available this summer.
Daniel Murphy
Even if Gundogan and Bernardo remain at the Etihad, City still need an injection of fresh blood in the middle of the park. Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are both in their 30s and Phillips' early struggles don't bode well for his future.
Options do appear limited at the highest level the Blues would be shopping in but Alexis Mac Allister has proved himself to be a classy operator this season. The Argentine was not only crucial to his nation's World Cup triumph but has been pivotal in Brighton's superb campaign, with 12 goals to his name.
The 24-year-old is capable of playing all manner of roles in midfield and would be the perfect dynamic ball carrier with good passing to inherit Gundogan's role. City know from previous dealings with Brighton that Mac Allister won't come cheap but he could be a very shrewd signing.
Kyle Newbould
Midfield additions this summer would be dependent on current City players heading the other way, and in that sense keeping what they have would be the ideal scenario. Gundogan’s contract expires this summer but the German showed how important he remains in the win over Leeds.
Bernardo is another whose future is unclear, but the Portugal international remains crucial, particularly in European competition where he is brilliant on the right.
If either leave, then Bellingham is the obvious option. Should he decide on Real Madrid, then Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch could offer a similar profile for a lot less money - plus he’s still only 20 years old.
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