Etihad Intel

One thing worth understanding about Manchester City's approach this summer is that the objective is not simply to replace outgoing players. The objective is to leave Enzo Maresca with a stronger squad than the one Pep Guardiola leaves behind. The club's target is a senior group of 18-19 interchangeable elite outfield players, supported by three goalkeepers and supplemented by the academy prospects judged ready to contribute immediately. The focus is on building a squad where the difference between the strongest XI and the second XI is as small as possible. Recruitment work has therefore centred around four key positions: • Central Midfield • Right Wing • Right Back • Centre Forward This is not a summer being driven by opportunity in the market. It is being driven by a clearly defined squad-building strategy. The aim is to create a younger, deeper and more flexible group capable of competing across every competition while maintaining the standards that have defined the club over the last decade. Viewed through that lens, many of City's decisions over the coming weeks will make considerably more sense.

It is likely after a large amount of pressure from Enzo Maresca, that the Enzo Fernandez transfer will happen. Reservations from Manchester City’s board led to the deal being slow. The preference of the board was Alex Scott or Adam Wharton. Endrick was the La Liga target but Real Madrid did not play ball.

All the rats crawl out of the sewers when we speak. So we speak less because rats carry rabies.

When the window closes we will explain the how the tides were affected by the prevailing winds. Just don’t forget we started this summer with clarity. Bouaddi, Anderson, and renewals. No Neto no Mbaye no Camavinga etc.

Ndiaye to Manchester City is now agreed.

Manchester City hold no interest in Cody Gakpo or Frenkie De Jong.

There isn’t anyone outside the C Suite at Manchester City’s CFA who is aware of the current situation regarding transfer negotiations. As we explained weeks ago, the club are moving in the shadows. Next week things will become clearer. Expect four new signings all of whom will be capable of stepping into the first XI immediately. Whilst people have been selling Enzo Fernandez magic beans, the real target is quietly being worked on. Most of you are now aware of who it is. Just remember the disrespect that was put on our name when we first alluded to it.

Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle is a decision for him. Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle for his departure. Omar Marmoush expects to be a Spurs player by the end of next week.

You really brought a knife to a gunfight and now you’re wielding it like a saber. Tragic scenes for the timeline you rely on for food.

Never bring a knife to a gunfight (metaphorically speaking). There are too many Twitter fingers out here typing checks their careers have no way of cashing.

Hush now my child. “Piggybacking” is the stock in trade for anyone who works in your industry. Did you ask David before you replied to me? I’m not sure you’re allowed to have such freedom when you’re owned by a master.

Unfortunately for you Samuel, you’ve never been anywhere near our seats at the Etihad. We could be sitting next to you and you would be non the wiser. It is wise that you don’t speculate because you will be putting people who have no part in this trivial little ego war of yours in the tiny little crosshairs of your water gun.

Allan is not the only South American based forward Manchester City are considering. There is an under 21 player based in Argentina they are incredibly seduced by as well. The second player has less first team experience than Allan but his ceiling is much higher. We are not yet sure which player they will choose to move for.

We’re posting from the afterlife which is why we seemingly know things you won’t know until after they’ve happened. You chose the wrong group of people to come for Samuel.