Manchester City to plan a midfield overhaul this summer with two major names in the frame

Midfield shuffle 

Reports over the weekend suggest that Manchester City are said to be looking at securing a deal for both Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest in a mega move that could cost the club a combined fee of £190 million. 

It's the task of sporting director Hugo Viana to rebuild a midfield that looks to be losing both Bernardo Silva and Rodri this summer, and the two Premier League stars have been targeted as the first choice replacements in their engine room. 

Silva is out of contract at the end of the season and expected to end his successful tenure with the club, while Rodri is keen on a move to Real Madrid and City could cash in on a player who's yet to reach his Ballon d'Or-winning heights since returning from injury. 

But how successful are they likely to be if they do look to bring in Tonali and Anderson?

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Premier League power 

Tonali was a late target for Arsenal in the winter window, and there is said to be growing frustration with the Italian's representatives from Newcastle over his future.

Although he is yet to push for a move away from Tyneside, there is a belief he is ready for his next move, especially if he ends up helping Italy return to the World Cup stage this summer. 

For Anderson, the World Cup is also set to play a role, because his stock will only rise being first choice in Thomas Tuchel's team in North America and there is only so long Nottingham Forest can hang on to their prized asset. 

They wouldn't want to lose the player, but also wouldn't be able to refuse a substantial bid if City were to invest this summer. 
 

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If both moves did come off - and there's set to be competition for both players' signatures - then it would add a whole new dimension to the middle of City's team.

Adding the energy and dynamism of Tonali, as well as Anderson's control and work rate, which Rodri hasn't quite been able to bring back to the side. 

The only question remains: who will be in charge of overseeing this transition? 

The rumours of Pep Guardiola's possible departure seem to be growing stronger and stronger as we head towards the end of the season, putting a full stop to an era of dominance. 

With two of his chief lieutenants in midfield set to be replaced too, it really could be a changing of the guard at The Eithad in 2026. 

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