Several journalists claim the Blues have ‘given up’ trying to prise the Chilean star away from the Gunners and instead have turned attention to another world class creative genius – Eden Hazard.
However, would the Premier League champions ever consider selling their prized asset to a rival? It seems unlikely in the extreme but the Daily Star write: “Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has asked Etihad chiefs to target Chelsea star Eden Hazard.
“That’s according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, who claim he’s moved on to the winger after failing to land Alexis Sanchez and Kylian Mbappe.
“Hazard enjoyed a stellar campaign as Chelsea won the Premier League last season and is back in training following an ankle injury.
“Guardiola is apparently keen for the 26-year-old to end his Stamford Bridge career though and wants City to make a statement by bagging him.”
The Daily Express follow a similar thread: “The Blues winger has been tipped to leave for either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
“Reports have even suggested Chelsea could let him move to Real as part of any deal that would see Gareth Bale move to Stamford Bridge.
“But Don Balon say Guardiola wants Hazard to be his marquee signing.”
Who said the press ‘silly season’ was over?
Leaving transfer speculation behind, Sambafoot report that Gabriel Jesus is enjoying life alongside .
The pair’s embryonic partnership has showed flashes of genuine promise as the pair learn each other’s game and the young Brazilian admits he admires he is a great admirer South American team-mate.
It reads: “City striker Gabriel Jesus is relishing linking up with clubmate Sergio Aguero again. The two have been in direct competition for the centre forward spot, but started upfront together in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Brighton.
“The 20-year old thinks he can benefit from both playing with and competing with the Argentine in City colours, telling the Daily Mail, ‘Sergio Aguero is a high-quality player. I’m a big fan of his, both of his football and his humility.
‘But ultimately it’s the manager’s decision. If he wants us to play together we can, as we have already shown. But if he wants me to play up front alone, it’s his decision.
‘I just hope that any competition between us benefits the team, that it inspires both of us to score plenty of goals for City and leads to the club winning lots of matches and trophies.’
Finally, a snipped from The Telegraph on the return of City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan who appeared as a second-half sub in the 1-0 loss to Girona last night.
James Ducker writes: “Gundogan emerged unscathed on his long-awaited comeback after nine months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury on Tuesday night as Manchester City were beaten 1-0 in a friendly away to Girona.
“The City and Germany midfielder has been out of action since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Watford last December.
“But Gundogan provided City manager Pep Guardiola with a welcome boost when he came on in the second half of the game at the Montilivi Stadium.
“The German replaced fellow midfielder Phil Foden in the 71st minute and will now hope to push for a place on the substitutes’ bench for Monday’s Premier League match against Everton.
“Guardiola cited Gundogan’s absence as a significant reason why City failed to mount an adequate title challenge in the second half of last season and is eager for the player to return to boost his midfield options.”
More City-related news and gossip tomorrow…
