Three defensive signings Pep Guardiola should consider this summer

With the 19/20 fixture list revealed, Pep Guardiola and his team will be plotting away frantically as Manchester City prepare to retain their Premier League crown and win a third consecutive league title next term.

With domestic rivals like Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool looking set to spend, we expect there to be plenty of activity at the Etihad this summer, particularly as City are desperate to get their hands on the Champions League trophy next season. Pep's side are currently priced at 5/1 to lift European football's top prize next term, and if you do like to back City you can rack up decent money each week by researching matched betting tools like the ones in this OddsMonkey review.

However, who are the names Pep should be looking to target in this transfer window as City look to take that vital next step? It looks like a defensive shakeup is inevitable, so here we look at just three upcoming defensive stars Guardiola could target.

Ben Chilwell A key component of the Guardiola vision is pacey, attacking full-backs, and in the past the City boss has been prepared to spend big in this position, most notably when he brought players like Kyle Walker into the club.

With big doubts over Benjamin Mendy's long-term fitness, the Spaniard could be tempted to delve into the market again this summer as he bids to put a squad together that's good enough to keep up an assault on all four major trophies next season.

Leicester's Ben Chilwell is being touted as one possible rising star that could move to the Etihad this summer. The 22-year fits the profile; he's quick, not afraid to track back, and perhaps most importantly he is young - so should have the legs to keep going all campaign.

Brendan Rogers and Leicester would be loathe to lose him, and there's no doubt as a home-grown talent he would command a large transfer fee, but that won't be a problem for City and their mega-rich owners and they have proven time and time again that they are willing to back Pep's judgement.

Declan Rice City are regarded as one of the best attacking sides in Europe, boasting a frontline that includes the likes of Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and of course Sergio Aguero.

Pep knows however, as do many of City's admirers, that the attacking talent at their disposal is only allowed to flourish if it's backed up by solid, midfield foundations.

A key part of the Man City side over recent years has been Brazilian anchor man Fernandinho but at 34 the midfielder is approaching the end of his career and City soon need to look ahead to the future.

That could pave the way for a move for another of England's rising stars: Declan Rice.

Rice, who currently plies his trade at West Ham, enjoyed a stellar campaign last time out and once more he fits the Pep profile. At just 20 years of age he has many years ahead of him and he looks destined for big things.

Again, like Chilwell, it will take a sizeable bid to prise him away from the Hammers, but City are not averse to splurging eye-watering amounts, as long as they get their man.

City ought to be taking a serious look at Luka Jovic despite already being blessed with a host of frontline talent.

Ibrahima Konate City are set for a defensive shake-up this summer, and it has even been rumoured that up to three centre-halves could be pushed through the exit door at the Etihad.

As Pep seeks to freshen up his backline, he could do much worse than setting his sights on a move for Ibrahima Konate, who currently stars for Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

At just 19, the teenager oozes class and bags of potential; he even helped Ralf Rangnick's German side keep a record 15 clean sheets last season and he is developing quickly.

Guardiola can already turn to rising stars like Eric Garcia who is on the books at City, but Konate has first-team experience at a high level and could slot right in.