Pep Guardiola is prepared to take his time in the search for new signings… as the Man City boss reveals where he wants to look for reinforcements this summer

Manchester City may want to wait until the end of August to sign a new midfielder, but Pep Guardiola claimed the Premier League champions do not want to be held hostage.

Julian Alvarez is set to join Atletico Madrid, a club worth £82m, with his impending departure freeing up a spot in Guardiola’s thin squad.

But with so much talent in attack, City need a midfielder who can defend better and complement Rodri.

Mateo Kovacic is likely to take Rodri’s place in midfield for the Community Shield match against Manchester United, with the Spain international and England squad expected back early next week after the Euro break.

“We will see the opportunities at the end of the market, when for example a club has to sell more than now, so I don’t know,” Guardiola said.

Pep Guardiola has outlined his transfer plans ahead of the return of the Premier League

The Citizens are looking for a defensive midfielder to compete with Rodri

‘Maybe a controlling midfielder who can defend centrally or a central defender who can play in Rodri’s position.’

Asked if there were concerns about Arsenal and United’s spending in their bid to strengthen their squad, the City manager added: ‘They’ve been doing it for many years. Many years. But it’s not news. It’s just when City spend more.’