CITY SIGNS SERGIO GOMEZ FROM ANDERLECHT

After the transfer of Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal, City will start the title defense campaign with only one prominent player in the left-back position, Portuguese Joao Cancelo.

Guardiola told reporters after Gomes' brilliance at Anderlecht under former City captain Vincent Kompany last season that the 21-year-old left-back-turned-midfielder would compete for a place in the first team.

"He's a talented young player from Barcelona's academy," Guardiola said. "He went to Borussia Dortmund but didn't play much. Last year Kompany gave him the chance.

"He performed well and caught our eye and we will sign him."

Gomez has played 30 games for Anderlecht since joining in June 2021. He also represented Spain at the level of youth and youth teams, including participating in the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, when they lost to England in the final.

British media reported that City and Anderlecht had agreed on an initial deal worth 11 million pounds ($13.33 million) to acquire Gomez's services.

"He is an exceptional player. He will be with us alongside Joao," Guardiola added.

Guardiola said new signing Calvin Phillips, who made his Premier League debut as a substitute in last week's win over West Ham, will not take part in Saturday's game at City against Bournemouth due to injury.

"Calvin is in a little bit of pain and he won't be able to (play)," Guardiola said, adding that young midfielder Cole Palmer could also miss after sustaining a bruised foot.

Newly promoted Bournemouth kicked off the season with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and Guardiola praised coach Scott Parker's team, who climbed to the top flight after finishing as runners-up in the second division.

"I have great respect for Scott Parker," Guardiola said.

"They press well and tend to attack... Like all teams in the tournament, they are good at taking free kicks.

"It is very difficult to play newly promoted teams early. They are very dangerous in the first few matches. These teams play without pressure and there is nothing to lose."