Man City dream 25-man squad after Ilkay Gundogan transfer gives Pep Guardiola what he needs

Manchester City could be about to add a familiar face to their squad for the season ahead.

City are looking to win what would be a record fifth consecutive Premier League title this term. Pep Guardiola is in his ninth season as manager and saw City begin the campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Chelsea in their opening fixture at the weekend.

There is still a little over a week until the summer transfer window draws to a close. City have until August 30 to complete their business, with Savinho the only first-team signing so far this summer.

Reports that Ilkay Gundogan could be in line for a return to the Etihad Stadium have gained traction, though. Barcelona signed the Germany international on a free transfer last summer, but the Spanish giants are willing to let the player leave before the transfer window closes.

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A return to City now seems likely with Guardiola keen for further midfield cover amid the current injury to Rodri. Should City re-sign their former captain, it would provide a dream squad for Guardiola to head into the remainder of the campaign.

Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes filled the void left by Gundogan's departure last summer. The return of Gundogan would add another valuable option in the middle of the park alongside Rodri and Rico Lewis, who was utilised in midfield in the win over Chelsea at the weekend.

MEN Sport has taken a look at how City's 25-man squad could look this season should Gundogan complete a return to the Etihad.

Goalkeepers: Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Scott Carson

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Joao Cancelo, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis

Midfielders: Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes, Oscar Bobb, James McAtee, Maximo Perrone

Forwards: Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Savinho