Sergio Aguero Is Man City's Cornerstone Ahead of Significant Summer Reshuffle

Given the disappointment felt at Manchester City this season, most are now expecting them to embark on something of a spending spree, to reshape and revamp a squad which has become depleted and tired looking.

In a recent interview with Sid Lowe in the Guardian, Manuel Pellegrini spoke of his desire to add a “crack” to his squad, stressing the importance of bringing in world-class players in order to add new quality and raise the performance levels of those already contracted to the club. It was a tactical move from Pellegrini, applying pressure to those at boardroom level at the Etihad to find him a top-notch star in the next transfer window. 

Pellegrini has been criticised for City’s anaemic performances this season, but, in his defence, he has been the first manager to work under financial constraints at City since they were taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008. The last time City added a genuine world-class talent was in 2011 when they signed Sergio Aguero, with Pellegrini yet to be handed a player in the Eden Hazard or Alexis Sanchez calibre.

But that may change, if he continues as City manager beyond this season. He told Lowe:

"

We brought Willy Caballero to give Joe Hart competition; Mangala, who’s 23 and will be an important player; Fernando because Javier Garcia wanted to go; Sagna because Micah Richards was always injured. What we didn’t do was sign a crack [superstar].

The way it’s growing, I think this team needs a crack. We need a crack: that gives you a kind of ascendancy, status.

"

Few would argue with his assessment, and City are likely to attempt to add an elite player to their playing squad this summer, particularly if, as expected, they are free from the UEFA-imposed financial restrictions they worked within last summer.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Plenty of City’s current squad are likely to be available at the right price. Alvaro Negredo, Micah Richards, Scott Sinclair and Matija Nastasic are all certainties to leave, and Edin Dzeko, Aleksandar Kolarov and Stevan Jovetic are likely to be available at the right price.

But there are some untouchables, and Aguero is one of them. City need to ensure he remains at the club and that they build their next phase of recruitment around his talents.

He’s 26 and arguably has his best years in the game ahead of him. He’s proven consistently since his arrival at City that he is one of the finest finishers in the game. On Sunday against West Ham United, he scored his 101st City goal in just 159 games. 

His 26 goals in 37 appearances this season, despite injury concerns, have further underlined his quality. When City need him, he so often delivers, with the precision of his finishing remarkable. He brings pace and directness to City's attack and guarantees goals. 

What Pellegrini must do now is find the right additions to supplement his star striker's talent. City need younger, hungrier players to revamp the side, but building the team around Aguero, and, of course, David Silva, should be the priority.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

There are concern over some City's other stars, such as Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure, with suggestions they are on a terminal decline, but Aguero remains at his very best, while Silva's game has never relied on pace. They're City's finest players. 

Interest in Aguero from one of Europe's elite clubs—from Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich—would be a concern for City, but the Argentine knows the future for City is a bright one. The club are on a sound financial footing, are investing in youth development and look after their players and staff superbly well. 

This summer's spending spree should be designed to build a team around his talent. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard.