Manchester City Will Reportedly Chase Thiago and Kylian Mbappe Summer Transfers

Manchester City are reportedly ready to spend big money again to improve their squad this summer, with Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe said to be on their summer shortlist. 

According to Sky Sports News, the champions are unlikely to rest on their laurels after winning the Premier League title at a canter this season. 

It's also noted manager Pep Guardiola wants to get his business done quickly, with the FIFA World Cup set to start on June 14 and the transfer window closing before the 2018-19 term starts.

Guardiola has worked with Thiago at his two previous clubs—Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The Spain international is said to be viewed as a man who can refresh an ageing City midfield. Mbappe could do the same at the sharp end of the pitch.

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"City are closely monitoring Mbappe's situation in Paris after UEFA confirmed they were investigating PSG's spending over the last 12 months," the report noted. "Mbappe's loan becomes a permanent move this summer—but the financial fair play investigation could lead to the Qatar-backed club immediately selling the teenage superstar."

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is also reportedly on City's radar but "not thought to be one of their primary targets."

The prospect of City making two investments of such quality is an ominous one for the rest of the Premier League. As we can see, they've been so dominant this season under Guardiola:

Thiago has shown in the past he is the archetypal midfielder for the way in which the coach sets his side up.

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Having emerged at Barcelona under Guardiola, he is technically exceptional, has an incredible awareness on the field and is adept at dictating the tempo of a game. He has been important to Bayern coasting to the Bundesliga crown and progressing to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

FC Bayern's Cristian Nyari hailed the influence the 27-year-old has had in recent years:

Mbappe, despite his remarkable accomplishments this and last year, appears to be a long way short of reaching his full potential.

The forward made the switch from Monaco to PSG last summer and has been exceptional in the French capital. The 19-year-old has typically played from the right flank in support of Edinson Cavani and has still managed to score 19 goals this season.

Mbappe's versatility, dynamism and composure in front of goal make him one of the most exciting prospects in world football. City left-back and Mbappe's former Monaco team-mate Benjamin Mendy recently joked he would be at the Etihad Stadium next term:

Although PSG are being looked into by UEFA after their recent spending, it would be a surprise if they opted to cash in on Mbappe. Given the young forward is a Parisian and has many years at the top level ahead of him, he would surely be last on their list of players to sell.

Still, City have the wealth to test the resolve of any club's willingness to keep their star men. If they add Mbappe or Thiago, they would be an even scarier prospect for the rest of English football.