Gossip: European heavyweights eye Man City's departing starspublished at 07:10 BST
07:10 BST
Bayern Munich are considering a shock move for defender John Stones when he leaves Manchester City at the end of the season. (Mail), external
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are weighing up a move for City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer. (Sky Sports), external
Finally, Pep Guardiola's impending exit from Manchester City opens the door for midfielder Rodri to join Real Madrid this summer. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Are fans walking into a 'routine end-of-season fixture' or a 'final curtain-call'?published at 16:06 BST 20 May
16:06 BST 20 May
Freddie Pye Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
For a manager who meticulously controls every pass and phase of play, the mess surrounding Pep Guardiola's future is one that is difficult to witness.
After 10 years of tactical perfection and 20 trophies delivered, the 55-year-old has absolutely earned the right to exit the club on his own terms.
Instead, a seismic week of uncertainty has left Manchester City fans somewhat strung along and stuck in an emotional limbo.
The handling of the narrative by the club and some corners of mainstream media has been deeply disappointing.
To find out that a legendary manager's exit was reportedly leaked through conversations with club sponsors - and treated as a commercial administrative footnote - is a bitter pill to swallow.
Worse still was the timing of what turned out to be a press onslaught.
Bombarding newspapers, television screens and social media apps with 'definitive' exit reports and Enzo Maresca succession claims, just 24 hours before a must-win match at Bournemouth, may have derailed the squad's focus and perhaps contributed to a rather flat showing that ultimately handed Arsenal the Premier League title on Tuesday night.
One of the greatest managers of all time was completely stripped of his right to dictate his own journey, and to announce his direction of travel when the time was right for him.
Yet, Guardiola's own reaction has only heightened the anxiety.
By continually deflecting and using his post-match media duties to insist: "Let me talk with my chairman!", he keeps a dramatic U-turn technically on the table, while refusing to give fans a straight answer.
This brings us to a painful reality before Sunday afternoon's clash against Aston Villa and, if this is to be the Catalan's final game at the Etihad Stadium, match-going fans are being denied the chance to emotionally prepare.
Do we not deserve the opportunity to process a farewell for the most transformative figure in modern Manchester City history?
Walking into the stadium on Sunday not knowing whether we are witnessing a routine end-of-season fixture or the final curtain-call of footballing royalty is unfair.
We shouldn't have to decode boardroom leaks to say goodbye to our greatest-ever icon.
'We should be angry' - Haalandpublished at 15:19 BST 20 May
15:19 BST 20 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Striker Erling Haaland says Manchester City should be "angry" as losing the Premier League title to Arsenal "is not good enough".
The Norway international scored his 27th league goal of the season to secure a late draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, but the result allowed Mikel Arteta's side to claim their first top-flight crown in 22 years.
It means City failed to win the title for the second consecutive season, having come third last term.
"In the end, every game in the Premier League is difficult. We tried. It wasn't enough," said Haaland. "The whole club should use this as motivation now. We should be angry, we should feel a fire inside our belly because it's not good enough.
"It's gone two years now, it feels like forever. We're going to do everything we can, everyone that will be here next season, to win the league."
Speculation continues to swirl over the future of manager Pep Guardiola, who said after the game he will speak to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in the next few days.
Sunday's final game of the season against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium could be bring down the curtain on the Spaniard's trophy-laden decade-long tenure.
"We haven't [been] told anything," midfielder Rodri said of Guardiola's future. "Pep is still our manager and we have to recover and play the last game how it is to say goodbye to two legends of our club in John [Stones] and Bernardo [Silva]."
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner added: "I will be sad [if Guardiola leaves] because not only what he means for the club but for this country [too]. He changed football and having the best manager in the world is always credit.
"I also think that if he left he will deserve the best goodbye as he is a legend and we only have good thoughts for him. Big credit [to him] and unbelievable."
Man City gearing up for 'significant summer of change'published at 13:42 BST 20 May
13:42 BST 20 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City's world fell apart in the space of 24 hours as they surrendered the Premier League title - following on from the bombshell news of manager Pep Guardiola's impending departure.
The headlines every City fan feared about the Spaniard's future broke on Monday night, before the side's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
While Guardiola insists he will make his decision after talks with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the expectation is for him to end his trophy-laden and decade-long tenure at the club, with Enzo Maresca poised to be his successor.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: "The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decided that when we finish the season, we will sit and we will talk. It is as simple as that. After that, we will take the decision."
The 55-year-old, who has led City to Carabao Cup and FA Cup success this season, added: "I have one more year of my contract. I will not tell you [a decision] here because I have to talk with my chairman, my players and my staff.
"When we play for the FA Cup, for Champions League qualification, for the Premier League title, there is just one thing in my mind and focus: trying to bring the team to the highest point."
All eyes were on Guardiola at Vitality Stadium for City's must-win game, though.
He was greeted by the flashing cameras of 22 photographers as he entered the dugout before kick-off, while one City fan raised a bedsheet with 'Pep Stay' scribbled on it.
"One more year, one more year, Guardiola," was chanted during the game but, by the end, the manager was the first to make a hasty exit down the tunnel.
The shock developments, should they officially be confirmed by the club, mean it is now shaping up to be a significant summer of change at the club this summer.
A domestic cup double was secured this season, but the title has eluded the club for a second straight campaign - something which has not happened before in Guardiola's distinguished managerial career, which has included spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
And, if it does transpire to be his final week at Etihad Stadium, he will no doubt depart with a tinge of regret. City had the title in their own hands just 15 days ago, but their trip to Everton proved to be the turning point.
Now, Sunday's game against Aston Villa will now be viewed as an emotional farewell to a man who has brought so much joy and success to supporters over the past 10 years.
Man City reveal home kit for 2026-27published at 12:40 BST 20 May
12:40 BST 20 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Puma/Man City
Manchester City look set to have a new manager next season but we know they will definitely have a new home kit.
The club have released their new home design for the 2026-27 campaign. The colour runs through a full gradient of sky blue - starting off darker at the shoulders and getting lighter as it falls - the shirt is finished with a metallic monochrome crest and sponsor details.
City say the design "speaks to the idea of progression, of a club always moving forward and never settling for where it currently stands".
Kit manufacturer Puma's product line manager Maria Kiebacher, said: "Manchester City is not a typical football club and everything about this kit and this campaign reflects that.
"The gradient tells a story of ambition and progression and it reflects a club that has always been willing to do things differently."
Man City used to 'revolving door' situations - Hartpublished at 10:03 BST 20 May
10:03 BST 20 May
Media caption,
Former Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pep Guardiola will be "heavily involved in his own succession plan" at Manchester City, if he decides to leave the club at the end of this season.
The 55-year-old has been at the helm since the start of 2016-17, but sources have told BBC Sport that the club are preparing for his exit after Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.
"There is no doubt about the fact that there will be a contingency plan," Hart explained on Match of the Day.
"They [Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones] are a big three to lose at the same time, but that is the revolving door that goes on at Manchester City.
"They make plans for situations like this. They have discussions for situations like this. Pep Guardiola will be heavily involved in his own succession plan because he wants the club to continue [in the way it has been].
"The hierarchy realise that this situation isn't just about Pep Guardiola. They realise this situation is about Manchester City - and that is far more important, so there will be plans in place."
Manchester City lose out title - your views published at 08:30 BST 20 May
08:30 BST 20 May
Media caption,
We asked for your views on Manchester City's failure to stay in the Premier League title race, with their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth crowning Arsenal champions.
Here are some of your comments:
Joe: A disappointment but, as it is a transitional season, we have to be satisfied with the two cup wins. Next Sunday will be a bitter sweet day, saying farewell to Bernie and Johnny and, reportedly Pep too, but let's remember what a ride it's been.
Sam: How do you go 15 Premier League games unbeaten and still fail to win the Premier League?
John: City just fell short in the challenge to win the Premier League. The team is in transition and compared with last season I feel we have done well having won the League Cup and the FA Cup and finishing runners up in the Premier League. That said the standard of the Premier League has been the lowest for some time. Perhaps it's the pre-World Cup that has affected the standard. Congratulations to Arsenal, unlike cup competitions the winners almost always deserve the trophy.
David: The table never lies and Arsenal deserve to be Champions with a game to spare. Man City not quite good enough!
Alan: I watched the game. I think the idea that the manager is leaving got to the players. They looked leggy and not as sharp as usual.
Spaniard Guardiola will take a year-long sabbatical after leaving Manchester City before taking a job coaching a national team. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Everton's interest in FC Midtjylland's Chile winger Dario Osorio, 22, is unlikely to impact a deal being done for 30-year-old England attacker Jack Grealish following his loan spell from Manchester City. (Football Insider), external
Bournemouth 1-1 Man City: What Guardiola and Silva saidpublished at 22:41 BST 19 May
22:41 BST 19 May
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Second half when we made the substitutes, the impact was not what we needed - but 12 days to prepare for that game against three.
"We gave everything - a successful season, so I am really pleased. We fought against things we cannot control. At the end, we tried, tried and tried again. Really pleased with how we behaved.
"The action for offside for Erling Haaland the linesman, was up so quick. It would be nice to allow him to finish the action.
"We gave everything and, of course, congratulate Arsenal, Mikel [Arteta], the backroom staff and the players.
"Fatigue was a big part today and took a big part of the game."
On his future with the club: "Allow me to talk with my chairman. I have one more year [on the] contract.
"When I finish the season every time we talk about it. I never talk with anyone. First of all, I talk with my chairman and my bosses.
"To talk we need to talk to him. What we have to do next season to you, your colleagues. I have from my experience when the boss or manager is anticipating he is leaving - the players don't follow you any more. You have to lead. Now is the moment to talk to him.
"The competition and all these kinds of things you have to prove again and again and again. So that is honestly a really good season."
Captain Bernardo Silva, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Disappointment. We know this is the main title for the season because it is the longest.
"It is the one you work the most for. We gave it a fight, we fought until the end. Proud of the guys, but it is not enough at this level.
"I hope for the next season they can have this feeling of not regret, but a bit of something inside that makes them go even more. They have the quality and they have the potential.
"I hate the feeling of losing. If you want to be in a club like Manchester City you have to be like that. It is not enough at the football club, especially as the Premier League is the main target for the club.
"Hopefully, they can have that feeling of wanting to achieve more for the next season."
Analysis: End of an era on Sunday?published at 21:56 BST 19 May
21:56 BST 19 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
If Pep Guardiola's 10-year trophy-filled tenure is drawing to a close, he will have to make do with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as a final flourish.
Manchester City's chase for the title came to a halt in Bournemouth and the 55-year-old will leave the job having won six Premier League titles while in charge, but having had two consecutive seasons without finishing top for the first time in his career.
This was a must-win game for City if they wanted to extend the race for five more days, but the home game against Aston Villa on Sunday is now anticipated to be Guardiola's farewell.
City had beaten their opponents in 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings but have now failed to win back-to-back games at this stadium, with this setback proving decisive as they ended with a whimper.
The visitors played like a side distracted by other matters and despite a rally in injury-time when Rodri struck the post and Erling Haaland pulled a goal back in the 95th minute, a draw was not enough.
The returning Antoine Semenyo thought he had scored against his former club but his effort was ruled out for offside, while the league's top scorer Haaland saw a thumping shot from the angle blocked by Evanilson.
Guardiola and his side must gather themselves for one final game which is bound to be an emotional affair, as Italian Enzo Maresca waits in the wings to take over.
Bournemouth v Man City: Team newspublished at 18:31 BST 19 May
18:31 BST 19 May
In his final home game in charge of Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola makes one change from the side that edged past Fulham.
Tyler Adams comes into the side and takes the armband, replacing Ryan Christie, who was named in Scotland's World Cup squad earlier today.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes two changes from Saturday's FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
There is a surprise start for Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatian in a midfield three alongside captain Bernardo Silva and Rodri, while Gianluigi Donnarumma returns in goal.
Omar Marmoush and James Trafford drop to the bench, with Rayan Cherki also named as a substitute again.
Follow Tuesday's Premier League games livepublished at 18:06 BST 19 May
18:06 BST 19 May
There are two crucial games in the Premier League on Tuesday, with major implications for both the title race and the relegation battle, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
You can also listen to today's Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Tottenham".
'How do you begin to replace the irreplaceable?'published at 16:43 BST 19 May
16:43 BST 19 May
Emily Brobyn Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
How do you begin to replace the irreplaceable?
With the news that Pep Guardiola is set to step down from his role as Manchester City manager after 10 remarkable years in charge at the end of the week, the void that he will leave feels insurmountable.
It's 20 trophies in a decade of dominance and brilliance. Records toppled. Centurions, a domestic quadruple, a Treble, four Premier League titles in a row and a domestic Double. These are unrealistic standards for any manager to be held to - so nobody would envy the act that is to follow.
Step forward Enzo Maresca. The Italian is said to be the chosen one to follow in such historic footsteps - and he's no stranger to the club. Maresca worked with City's Elite Development squad back in 2021 - he won the Premier League 2 with them. He also worked under Pep as part of his backroom team during the Treble season in 2023. He went on to win the Championship with Leicester City, before moving to Chelsea and winning both the Conference League and the Club World Cup, before his departure in December 2025.
Media caption,
Maresca's appointment will be with the blessing of Pep. He's achieved greatness at the club alongside him in 2023, although going it alone is an entirely different proposition. He applies the same coaching ethos towards his teams. His relatively modest time in management has enjoyed silverware. He has the foundations to build on, although some question whether Maresca is merely a bridge to eventually appointing Vincent Kompany, former City captain and current head coach of Bayern Munich.
Maresca did have a failed spell at Parma, but ultimately, the downside to any appointment City make post-Pep is that it isn't Pep Guardiola. It isn't the man who gave City fans the best 10 years of their lives. It's unrealistic to expect that continuity from anybody else.
But it's looking like the time has come for change - and, if Maresca is the chosen one to follow on from the greatest, he deserves the right to be given a chance and the backing by fans to see what he can deliver for the club. If he's good enough for Pep, let's hope he's good enough for City.
Bournemouth v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 16:34 BST 19 May
16:34 BST 19 May
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Tuesday's match (19:30 BST), with Manchester City needing a win to keep their title hopes alive.
This will be Andoni Iraola's final home game as Bournemouth boss and comes with his team on the brink of qualifying for Europe for the first time.
A point would ensure the Cherries can finish no lower than eighth, which – as a result of Manchester City's victory in the FA Cup final – will be worth a place in next season's Conference League. Even if they lose, a top-eight spot will be assured if Chelsea fail to beat Tottenham in Tuesday's other game.
A strong end to the campaign could take Bournemouth into the Europa League or even Champions League. They will boost their chances of overtaking Liverpool to secure a top-five berth if they beat City. Finishing sixth would also send them into Europe's most prestigious competition if Aston Villa win Wednesday's Europa League final and end the season fifth.
Why the Cherries rank above Bayern
While Bournemouth have a miserable head-to-head record against City, they are a team in form. Iraola's side are unbeaten in the league since losing to Arsenal on 3 January, a run of 16 games.
Not only is that the longest current unbeaten streak in the Premier League, two ahead of City, it is also the longest such run active in the top five European leagues – one ahead of German giants Bayern Munich.
City aim to keep treble dream alive
Victory in Saturday's FA Cup final gave Manchester City their 16th major honour under Pep Guardiola – 20 once Community Shields and Super Cups are factored in.
But City's hopes of adding yet more silverware hinge on beating Bournemouth.
They will take confidence from the remarkably one-sided nature of their previous top-flight meetings with the Cherries.
City have won 16 of 17 games, with their win rate of 94% the highest by any team in a Premier League fixture played at least 10 times.
However, their flawless record ended last season when they lost 2-1 at Vitality Stadium. In fact, Guardiola's side are winless in their past four league games on the south coast, losing three of those matches.
Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Man Citypublished at 16:33 BST 19 May
16:33 BST 19 May
Manchester City's players will be feeling pretty good about themselves anyway after winning the FA Cup on Saturday, but now they must be thinking 'let's give one last push for Pep', with manager Pep Guardiola looking set to step down at the end of the season.
Arsenal are in still in control of the title race after beating Burnley on Monday but City will be desperate to take it to the final day, and I think they will.
Bournemouth are a very good team and they have plenty to play for too - this is Andoni Iraola's final home game in charge and the Cherries know sixth place will get them in Europe and could even get them in the Champions League.
It would not surprise me if they got something from this game but, with what is at stake for City, I am backing them to find a way to win.
Bournemouth are an attack-minded team, can be quite direct when they want to be and they will get after City and have a go at them - but I think City will exploit the space they leave behind.
Image source, Man City
Image source, Man City
