The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.

The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Saturday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal 'still hopeful of signing £54m Houssem Aouar'

Arsenal are reportedly still hopeful of signing Houssem Aouar this summer, despite Lyon placing a €60m (£53.5m) price tag on his head.

The 22-year-old is wanted by a number of Europe's top clubs after helping Lyon to the semi-finals of the Champions League, with Manchester City and Juventus also linked with the midfielder.

Arsenal were thought to be leading the race for his signature, but saw a player-plus-cash bid including Matteo Guendouzi turned down earlier this month.

However, Foot Mercato claims that the Gunners have not given up hope of signing Aouar despite Lyon demanding more than £53m for his services.

Lyon sporting director Juninho recently admitted that Aouar could leave the club this summer amid interest from "bigger teams".

Aouar scored nine goals and created 10 more in 41 appearances for Lyon last season.

Manchester City 'will not include Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez in Lionel Messi bid'

Manchester City will not be including Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva or Riyad Mahrez in any bid to sign Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi during this summer's transfer window.

Messi has informed Barca that he wants to leave Camp Nou ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, and a number of clubs, including City, are believed to be in the running for his signature.

A recent report claimed that the Citizens were considering using Bernardo Silva and Jesus as makeweights in an offer for the Argentina international.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, neither player will be included as part of a bid, while Mahrez will also not be available to the Catalan giants.

The report claims that Eric Garcia could be included, though, as the central defender is thought to be keen on a return to the Spanish giants during this summer's transfer window.

Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are also both said to be leading candidates to sign Messi.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Lionel Messi's father 'informs Paris Saint-Germain his son wants Manchester City move'
Lionel Messi's father reportedly informs Paris Saint-Germain that the Barcelona attacker wants to join Manchester City. Read more.

Lionel Messi 'requests meeting with Barcelona'
Lionel Messi reportedly requests a meeting with Barcelona officials to thrash out an exit plan before the start of the new season. Read more.

Josep Maria Bartomeu 'will only sit down with Lionel Messi to discuss new deal'
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will reportedly only hold fresh talks with wantaway talisman Lionel Messi if he is willing to sign a new contract at the club. Read more.

How Manchester City could line up with Lionel Messi
Sports Mole looks at how Manchester City could line up next season if Lionel Messi joins the club. Read more.

Shirt numbers available to Lionel Messi at Manchester City
Sports Mole looks at the shirt numbers available to Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi at Manchester City. Read more.

Jurgen Klopp: 'No chance of Liverpool signing Lionel Messi'
However, the Liverpool boss would like to see the Barcelona star move to the Premier League. Read more.