Manchester City are set to be active in this summer's transfer window, as they aim to continue fighting for trophies on all fronts in 2022-23 and beyond.
The Citizens have already been planning ahead, following the January acquisition of highly-rated River Plate forward Julian Alvarez, who is in line to link up with the first-team squad next season.
However, there is no doubt that Pep Guardiola is keen to bolster his already talented squad with more fresh faces to ensure they remain ahead of the chasing pack.
With that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at five players who the Premier League leaders could target this summer.
Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
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The standout name Man City have been heavily linked with for some time is Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, who is set to be the subject of an intense transfer tussle between Europe's elite clubs this summer.
City are believed to be one of the frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old, while La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also in the picture for his signature.
The Citizens are in the market for a new centre-forward and they are sure to be tempted by the Norway international's relatively cheap release clause worth in the region of £64m, which comes into effect at the end of the current campaign.
Even though Haaland has allegedly rejected City's first contract proposal, including a £500,000 weekly salary, the opportunity for the striker to work under Guardiola, and to play in the Premier League for a side competing for multiple trophies, could persuade him to move to the Etihad this summer.
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
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Should Man City miss out on signing Haaland this summer, they could reignite their interest in Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane.
Guardiola confirmed earlier this season that the Citizens had four summer bids rejected by Spurs for the England captain, who was valued at around £150m by chairman Daniel Levy, a figure the Premier League leaders were unwilling to match.
With Kane turning 29 before the start of the 2022-23 campaign and with his contract expiring in June 2024, his current valuation is set to drop which could tempt City to make a move for the striker again this summer.
If Kane, who is yet to win a major trophy in his career, cannot be persuaded by Antonio Conte and co to remain at Spurs, then a move away from North London could be on the cards in the upcoming window.
Declan Rice (West Ham United)
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One of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League is West Ham United's Declan Rice, who has elevated his game to new heights over the last few seasons.
City are believed to be admirers of the England international, along with Chelsea and Manchester United, but the Hammers are keen to keep hold of the 23-year-old who they value at £150m.
Guardiola's side may look to target Rice as a direct replacement for 36-year-old captain Fernandinho, who will see his contract expire in June.
Rice, who is under contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2024, allegedly rejected two contract offers by West Ham last year, and with elite European clubs circling around him, it would come as no surprise if the midfielder expressed his desire to challenge himself at a higher level in the near future.
Aurelien Tchouameni (Monaco)
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If Man City opt against a big-money move to sign Rice, then another midfielder they may consider swooping for is Monaco's rising star Aurelien Tchouameni.
Over the last three seasons, the 22-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular for the Ligue 1 outfit, making 87 senior appearances across all competitions, including 42 this campaign.
Tchouameni's impressive performances earned him an international call-up with France in August last year, and his rise on the European stage has alerted a number of top clubs including the Citizens.
With Monaco at risk of failing to qualify for Europe next season, Tchouameni is widely expected to leave the club this summer and he could be available for around €50m (£42m).
Raphinha (Leeds United)
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Interest in Leeds United attacker Raphinha is set to be rife this summer, with Man City believed to be one of the latest clubs who are keeping tabs on the Brazil international.
Barcelona are regarded as the current frontrunners to land the 25-year-old, with one report claiming that they have agreed a five-year deal with the player, but he may be tempted to stay in the Premier League.
Should Leeds survive in the English top flight this term, then Raphinha is understood to have a £75m release clause which will come into effect; however, if the Whites are relegated then that release clause will plummet to a figure in the region of £25m, a cut-price fee which a plethora of clubs would be willing to pay.
Raphinha, who could be viewed by City as a replacement for either Raheem Sterling, 27, or Riyad Mahrez, 31, has excelled for Leeds since his arrival from Rennes in 2020, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists in 59 appearances across all tournaments.
Oliver Thomas
