How Man City could line up with Declan Rice and Mateo Kovacic after the transfer battle with Arsenal in the summer

MANCHESTER CITY continue to improve their squad just weeks after the sensational treble.

Pep Guardiola’s men clinched the Premier League title after beating Arsenal before beating Manchester United and Inter Milan in seven days to secure the FA Cup and Champions League.

3

3

But despite their trio of triumphs, they don’t plan to stand still during the summer transfer window.

Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona was resolved with City agreeing a £30million transfer fee for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

And they are also heavily linked with a move from West Ham captain Declan Rice.

SunSport understand the 24-year-old England international remains interested in joining Arsenal.

But Guardiola’s men are trying to hijack the Gunners’ target as they prepare to make an official offer to West Ham.

If Rice and Kovacic both ended up at Etihad, they would expand a multitude of options in midfield.

Champions League final goalscorer Rodri would almost certainly remain in the squad having been one of Man City’s standout players last season.

Kevin de Bruyne is still an integral part of Guardiola’s wheel.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

3

And then there’s Kalvin Phillips – who barely got a match in his first year at the club – and John Stones, who has progressed from central defender to midfielder over the past 12 months.

However, Guardiola is not expected to change his 3-2-4-1 formation to bring Kovacic and Rice into the squad.

Instead, the Stones would likely drop to the middle half alongside Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias – with Manuel Akanji also pushing for a spot.

Rice would sit alongside Rodri at the base of midfield, with Kovacic and De Bruyne ahead as a more attacking duo.

There is still a lot of competition on the flanks, although Jack Grealish now seems to have a firm hold on the left flank.

Bernardo Silva was the first choice at right flank but is being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

That could open the door to Riyad Mahrez or, perhaps more likely, Phil Foden.

Erling Haaland, who scored 52 goals in his debut season in England, will remain at the top ahead of world champion Julian Alvarez.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumors and confirmed transfers from the world of football