Roberto De Zerbi has already been tipped to succeed Pep Guardiola. (Image: Getty)
Roberto De Zerbi remains the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next summer, despite recently becoming Marseille boss.
Guardiola's future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain and the Spaniard has yet to indicate whether he would be willing to sign a new contract. If he does leave, City will need to find a worthy successor.
De Zerbi impressed during his time at Brighton and has since been touted as Guardiola's ideal replacement, and he could look to reunite with several familiar faces if approached for the role…
Goalkeeper: BART VERBRUGGEN
Ederson has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months, and he could be allowed to leave the club under De Zerbi. The Italian spoke of Verbruggen's potential during his time at Brighton and the Netherlands international has improved considerably since becoming the face of the Amex Stadium.
The former Anderlecht star has admirers across Europe, including at Barcelona and Real Madrid, but City could have a financial advantage over those teams if they choose to pursue the 22-year-old.
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De Zerbi may seek to find Levi Colwill (Image: Getty)
Defense: John Stones, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, LEVI COLWILL
Stones has previously shone as an inverted full-back, and he could find himself in that role under De Zerbi. The Marseille boss is keen to build a three-man defence at times, which could mean a move for Colwill is on the cards.
De Zerbi has been pushing for the England international to stay at Brighton after a successful loan spell at the club during the 2022/23 campaign, often labelling him a “waste” after returning to Chelsea to break into the Blues' first team. Colwill already has admirers at City, however, and so the stars could be aligning for the Chelsea star to be pursued.
De Zerbi has spoken about Alexis Mac Allister countless times in Brighton (Image: Getty)
Midfielder: Rodri, ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER, Phil Foden
With Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne not getting any younger, a new midfielder could be on De Zerbi's shopping list if he arrives at City. The 45-year-old has been hailed by Mac Allister every week during his time at the Seagulls, and he could be the star signing at the Etihad next summer. City were among a number of clubs interested in the Argentina international before his move to Liverpool, but his price tag has skyrocketed since he landed on Merseyside.
Kaoru Mitoma has impressed at Brighton in recent seasons (Image: Getty)
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Forwards: Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, KAORU MITOMA
Foden could find himself in his natural No. 10 role under De Zerbi, allowing City to tap into the market for attacking reinforcements. Mitoma extended his contract with Brighton until 2027 last year, but that will not deter City if they decide to pursue the Japan international. The winger has shone for the Seagulls in recent seasons, and an injury-free campaign would put him on the shortlist of the best clubs in the world.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1946629/Man-City-transfer-news-Roberto-De-Zerbi-Alexis-Mac-Allister-Ederson