PEP TALK
Pep Guardiola ‘ready to break his own unwritten transfer rule’ for just third time to bring eight-time champ to Man City
It's been nearly 10 years since Guardiola went against the grain in the market
PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly ready to break his own unwritten transfer vow for just the third time by signing Joshua Kimmich for Man City.
The six-time Premier League winner has just added another English crown to his collection.
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But Guardiola is already plotting for City's next season after failing to complete back-to-back Trebles.
And one man in his sights is versatile German superstar Kimmich, 29.
The midfielder, equally capable of playing right-back, is reportedly unsettled at Bayern.
He was openly critical of teammates as they lost their 11-year stranglehold on the Bundesliga title.
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And with just a year left on his contract, it’s reckon Kimmich is eyeing a new opportunity.
Sport Bible claims that could result in a switch to the Etihad, with Guardiola ever-keen on adding the world’s best talents to his squad.
The Spaniard gave Kimmich his Bundesliga debut in 2015 and rates him as one of the best players he’s ever had.
However, Guardiola will have to break his own unwritten transfer rule to sign Kimmich.
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That’s because the tactician reportedly avoids signing players he’s worked with at a previous club.
Throughout his entire career, Guardiola has only broken the rule twice.
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Chelsea have been given permission from Leicester to speak to Enzo Maresca.
Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing a summer move for Crysencio Summerville.
Premier League clubs are targeting Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be a free agent when his Fulham contract expires next month.
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The first came when he landed Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona for Bayern Munich in 2013.
And Guardiola also raided the Catalan side to sign goalkeeper Claudio Bravo for City in 2016.
It now remains to be seen where Kimmich goes, with Barca and Real Madrid reportedly interested.
Arsenal have also been linked, but could cool their interest after handing Jorginho a new Emirates contract.
Kimmich has played 390 games for Bayern in nine years, scoring 42 goals in the process.
He’s won eight titles, three German Cups and the Champions League during that time.
And Kimmich, who has 84 caps for Germany, will be hoping to lead his country to glory at the Euros this summer.
Pep Guardiola set for final Man City season
By Martin Blackburn
AFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.
And Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.
Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.
Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.
Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.
The suggestion is the hearing could start later this year but is likely to take several months to reach a conclusion.
City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.
Read Martin Blackburn's full column here.
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