Manchester City may have missed out on Alexis Sanchez but the Citizens have been quick to renew the contracts of two of their star performers so far this season.
Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi have both committed their futures to City, the South American pair having perhaps the best seasons of their careers.
Fernandinho’s contract was due to expire this summer, but his two-year contract extension keeps him at the Etihad until 2020 while Otamendi’s deal runs through to 2022.
City boss Pep Guardiola expressed his delight on Friday, after Fernandinho followed in the footsteps of his team-mate Otamendi, who signed a two-year contract extension on Wednesday.
“We are so happy,” he said.
“Fernandinho is one of the players I have such a pleasure to have under my command.
“It is great news for the club to have both Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho with us at the club for the future.”
While Fernandinho and Otamendi are set to feature heavily for City between now and the end of the season, Arsenal forward Sanchez will not be joining them.
Guardiola, who coached Sanchez in the 2011/12 season whilst in charge of Barcelona, all but confirmed he will not be reunited with his former player.
“I’m not the guy with the mathematics and numbers.
“He [Sanchez] is still an Arsenal player and he looks like he will go to (Manchester) United so congratulations and good luck to them.
“The players and managers decide what is best for them. My thoughts on him remain the same. He is going to decide to move to another club. We wish him the best.”
City are in action this evening as they host Newcastle United, who they beat 1-0 at St James’ Park just 23 days ago thanks to a Raheem Sterling goal.
Guardiola’s men will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 4-3 defeat against Liverpool – their first loss of the season.
But they will have to do it without Fabian Delph, who was forced off in the first half at Anfield.
“He [Delph] will be out for a while but we don’t know how long for yet,” said Guardiola.
“We decided to start the season off with just one full-back. We knew about the problem with Delph but in this kind of situation, we will see the reaction of the players, as it may not be their natural position.
“We are going to discuss many issues about positions.”
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