Manchester City have won three out of the last four Premier Leagues. Pep Guardiola and company enter 2021-22 as defending champions, having finished on top with a difference of 12 points last season. However, this year they will be up against much-stronger Chelsea and Manchester United teams. 

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Signing Jack Grealish for $139 million was a big statement of intent by City, but that only served to strengthen a midfield department where Pep Guardiola already had enviable riches. It is a striker the champions really need following the departure of Sergio Aguero after 10 years, and there’s one they are targeting in particular.

Harry Kane would cost more than Grealish — potentially much, much more — and City appears willing to spend another British-record figure if only Tottenham would negotiate. But, according to Guardiola, that isn’t currently the case, even if Kane seems keen on the move.

“They have signed a great player and someone that wants to prove himself at the highest level. I don’t think there is any better club for him to try and do that. He is a player that always wants the ball, he gets in good pockets of space and he is creative. It adds another creative player to this team which I am really excited about so hopefully he can add a few more goals to my tally.” Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling said, as per Sky Sports reports. 

If it happens — and it’s a big “if” given how tough a negotiator Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is — City would have a squad mighty enough to blow away its rivals. There would barely be a weakness. Even City’s second team could mount a top-four challenge.

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As it is, the lack of a genuine top-class striker — Gabriel Jesus doesn’t convince as a finisher, despite his work rate — leaves England’s other top teams with a glimmer of hope.

Predicted Starting 11- Formation 4-3-3 (only confirmed players)

Goalkeeper– Ederson

Defence– Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Joao Cancelo

Midfield– Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan

Attack– Grealish, Foden, Mahrez

With inputs from the Associated Press