With Nathan Ake reportedly on the verge of signing for Manchester City from Bournemouth – as reported by Fabrizio Romano – many assumed that any deal for Kalidou Koulibaly would be off the table. However, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, City have always been in the market for two centre-backs, and the signing of Nathan Ake should be unrelated to any progress or lack of progress with Koulibaly.
Kalidou Koulibaly Still a Target For Manchester City
City Centre-Back Profile Clear
The reported arrival of Nathan Ake gives Pep Guardiola the perfect back up to Aymeric Laporte. The Dutch defender is the left-footed centre-back that Manchester City desperately lacked in the absence of Laporte last season. The hope from a City point of view is that Ake will be able to comfortably replace Laporte should any injury concerns arise once again.
As for Koulibaly, Manchester City are hoping to sign an experienced defender who can make an instant impact at the Etihad. Fabrizio Romano has reported, however, that tensions are still high between Napoli and Manchester City after Jorginho seemingly snubbed a move to the Etihad in favour of one to Chelsea two years ago. These tensions could make a reasonable deal difficult to negotiate for Manchester City this summer.
City Rebuilding For Title Charge
After losing out on the Premier League title by 18 points this season, Manchester City are looking to rebuild this summer. So far, according to Romano, they have all but secured deals for Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake – strengthening their squad significantly. With Koulibaly still a target, too, Pep Guardiola’s side look set to be better positioned than ever to take back their Premier League crown.
Manchester City will certainly be a team to keep an eye on this summer as they once again splash the cash and rebuild.
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