Manchester City stars limber up with bungee ropes in training

Manchester City have been limbering up for the first game of their title defence by using bungee ropes during training on Thursday afternoon.

Skipper Vincent Kompany led from the front as Fernandinho, Leroy Sane and a masked Ilkay Gundogan balanced themselves while holding the elasticated cord, helping them strengthen their core during training.

Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Riyad Mahrez also joined the session as Pep Guardiola prepares his side for their tough test at the Emirates on Sunday.

The City players also received a boost during their training session on Wednesday when former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso turned up to give talk to the group.

The Spaniard was spotted in deep conversation with Guardiola on the touchline before sharing a joke with the City manager and his coaching staff  in Manchester.

Alonso also warmly greeted the players as they walked out for training, including French centre back Aymeric Laporte.

City have also announced the signing of 19-year-old Australian Daniel Arzani from their sister club Melbourne City.

Midfielder Arzani featured in the World Cup this summer for Australia, playing in the final group game against eventual champions France.

'Manchester City are now exploring a development pathway for Arzani, and a further announcement regarding a loan to progress his career will be made in the coming days,' City said.

Spotted in the stands at Celtic Park on Wednesday night for the Bhoys' Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens, Arzani has been heavily linked with a loan move to the Scottish champions.

Should he make the move north of the border, he would link up with fellow Australian midfielder Tom Rogic in Glasgow.