Today it’s the turn of Sergio Aguero, who has been speaking whilst away with Argentina.
La Albiceleste face Brazil on Thursday, when City’s marksman will get a closer look at a man who’ll be aiding him in the goal scoring stakes from January.
Gabriel Jesus has certainly caught the eye for the Seleção and the Blues No.10 says he’ll be a welcome addition to the squad.
He told Goal: “It will be a pleasure to play against Gabriel Jesus. He is an excellent forward and will be a great team mate.”
Aguero’s return from the last round of international fixtures was marked by a spot on the bench against Everton, but the striker had no complaints and has admitted he discussed the decision with Pep Guardiola.
In an interview with Argentine newspaper Ole (Google translate required), he explained: “I arrived to Manchester and I wasn’t well so I didn’t start against Everton. Me and Pep talked about it, that when you come with something in your head, it influences you in the game.”
Alongside reports from the far flung corners of the globe, international action also affords journalists the opportunity to consider the lay of the land domestically.
The Manchester Evening News’ James Robson has done just that this morning, as he picks out the best moment of the Guardiola era to date.
It comes, of course, from the 3-1 victory over Barcelona, which Robson describes as a “game-changing night” as he opines: “When Ilkay Gundogan swept the ball over the line the Etihad erupted.
“In that moment City fans believed.
“Believed they were going to beat the mighty Barca, which had far wider meaning than three Champions League group points.
“This felt like the moment City’s Abu Dhabi owners have been building towards - and confirmation that they are well on the way to becoming a European super power.”
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Iain Macintosh has cast scorn on those questioning the Blues’ form and credentials after three consecutive draws at the Etihad Stadium.
He writes: “City, of course, are nowhere near a crisis and haven’t been at any stage of this season, even when they went six games without winning. Dropping points at home to weaker opposition is never easy to take and it’s understandable for questions to be asked, but there are no serious problems here.
“You do get the feeling that by the end of the season, by the end of next season and by the end of a five-year spell, drawing at home to Middlesbrough isn’t going to feel quite as disappointing as it felt on Saturday.”
Finally, we leave you with a dose of transfer gossip, with the Sun suggesting a pair of Blues are pursuing Ajax’s Kasper Dolberg.
Jim Sheridan reports: “Chelsea and Manchester City are stepping up their pursuit of Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg.
“The Danish youngster, 19, is on the cusp of his first international cap after netting five times in 10 games for the Dutch side this term. His form in the Eredivisie has alerted Premier League clubs who have been impressed with his finishing and strength.”
Plenty to discuss over your morning coffee, then and there’s more on the way at mancity.com. Keep an eye out for Gael Clichy’s ultimate footballer.
