An expensive summer awaits Manchester City, who are being linked with a £70 million raid for Paul Pogba, not to mention potential deals for Kevin De Bruyne and Roberto Firmino.

Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star suggests City owner Sheikh Mansour will offer a British-record transfer fee for Pogba, whose potential departure from Juventus is likely to be one of the stories of the summer. Cross believes a contract of £250,000 per week after tax will be sent the Frenchman’s way.

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail also reports this story but believes Pogba “will have the pick of Europe’s elite” if he opts to leave Turin. Pogba is an obvious choice to replace Yaya Toure, who continues to be linked with a move to Inter Milan or Paris Saint-Germain, reported by Sky Sports News (h/t Andy Hunter of the Guardian).

Pogba is built to shine in any of Europe’s top leagues. At just 22 years old, he’s already physically dominant and possesses the turn of pace needed to get away from opponents. He passes quickly and moves forward to support attacks without compromising his defensive duties. City’s recent success has been built around Toure’s powerful runs forward ending in vital goals, something Pogba would be more than capable of replicating.

After six weeks out with injury, he netted on his return to Juve’s first team on Saturday, per Squawka:

Pogba’s injury-hit season has yielded eight goals in 23 Serie A matches, reported by WhoScored.com. He’s maturing all the time, and it’s likely his next club will reap the benefits of his peak years, making his decision pivotal. There’s no doubt Pogba would be a statement signing for any elite side. City will face a difficult battle, however, but B/R UK’s Rob Pollard thinks his arrival makes sense:

 

De Bruyne, Firmino Double Deal for City?

De Bruyne and Firmino represent far easier targets to lure. Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star indicates the former would cost £35 million after his terrific season with Wolfsburg, while Firmino of Hoffenheim would be available for £18 million.

Squawka highlights why De Bruyne’s price tag has rocketed in recent months:

He is an endlessly creative player when working under the right conditions. De Bruyne needs runners moving forward ahead of his position in attacking midfield, as he loves to control the ball, look up and quickly swipe possession on. He almost stops while the game progresses around him before bursting into life with a game-changing pass.

The 23-year-old has a point to prove in the Premier League too after failing to make the grade at Chelsea.

Hetherington suggests City centre-back Vincent Kompany has recommended De Bruyne to the club after playing with him for Belgium. The developing youngster would fit in with City’s style of play and could thrive with the side, known for their sweeping moves through midfield, perhaps slotting in alongside David Silva behind Sergio Aguero.

Following his breakout season in 2013/14, Firmino has also produced some spectacular moments this term, highlighted below:

The Brazilian has nine goals and six assists in 32 matches and is also built of stronger stuff than many expect. His passing, dribbling and vision has helped Hoffenheim to an impressive ninth position this campaign, but he’s rapidly outgrowing the club. 

Firmino averages 2.7 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per match, reported by WhoScored, and could work as an attack-minded central midfielder alongside a more defensive player. 

Talk of Pep Guardiola taking over City continues to run throughout the media, reported by Cross. If manager Manuel Pellegrini is to be replaced, it’s likely the new boss will want to shape the squad in his own image. Either way, City need to spend big to compete with Chelsea next season.

A failure to do so will provide Manchester United and Liverpool with an opportunity to close the gap on the Etihad Stadium club.

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