It’s been a very strange season for the Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern to say the very least indeed. 

While the capture of Pep Guardiola was largely celebrated as a turning point in their history, the Sky Blues haven’t always proved overly convincing under the Spaniard, with some very difficult moments derailing any genuine title challenge.

Still, this is a long-term project at the Etihad and many of the City fans in the bar realise it will take a while for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach to truly imprint his philosophy in the Premier League. There are clear areas for improvement all over the park, particularly in the full-back department.

None of Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Aleksandar Kolarov or Gael Clichy look like the sort of options Guardiola usually has in those areas, which is why recent links with Arsenal man Hector Bellerin make so much sense.

With that in mind, here’s a closer look as to why City simply have to make this deal happen.

Tactical Fluidity

One of the major tactical moves we’ve seen from Guardiola this season is his use of inverted full-backs. While that role has been changing somewhat over the years, with it now largely being an attacking berth, moving them into central areas at times is a new process on these shores.

For that, clearly, you need to have players capable of understanding different roles across the park.

Well, with Bellerin having trained at La Masia, there’s little doubt he’ll boast a wonderful footballing brain. Comfortable on the ball, he boasts the skill and speed to get across to wide areas, as well as break through a compact midfield.

Potential

Everything about Guardiola’s reign so far at City looks to be a long-term project. As things stand, City look like one of few top clubs putting pressure on their boss as they look to truly build a dynasty.

One of the major problems in the full-back department has been their age. None of the current options are the right side of 30, meaning they will need to be replaced rather soon. Top quality options in that area are pretty hard to come by these days, so securing one now to build a team upon is vital.

Only 21 years of age, Bellerin could be a force in Sky Blue for years to come.