Manchester City is one of the Premier League clubs fully aware they need to ramp up their defensive mix to remain competitive. And one of their reported targets is Nathan Ake of Bournemouth. Talks are already underway, and the Cherries are asking roughly around $50 million for the 25-year-old player.
Pep Guardiola wants to beef up his defensive line, and he has several players in mind, Sky Sports reported. Aside from Ake, the Sky Blues have also been linked to Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli. Other players on their list include Diego Carlos of Sevilla and Ben Chilwell of Leicester City.
Despite ongoing talks with Ake, a formal offer has yet to be made. There are other teams interested in taking on the Dutch player, including Manchester United and Chelsea. However, it appears City is in the lead since they have long been associated with a potential deal for Ake.
Ake should fit in well with the plans to infuse young blood at Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola aware that Ake's skills can lift the entire team a notch. However, Ake is not the only player City has held preliminary talks with.
Manchester City has also begun discussions with Sevilla for Ferran Torres. Ironically, the asking fee for Torres is similar to what Bournemouth is seeking for Ake, although City has yet to make a formal offer for Torres.
Another player on City's radar is Diego Rosa. He is priced a whole lot lower, at about $5 million. But the problem with him is that he may only register by January, as he is only 17 years old.
With the right mix of youth and talent, City could come up with a crew that can help improve their campaign. The focus right now is on Koulibaly, who appears to be nearing a deal. Napoli is reportedly open to parting with the 29-year-old player, and has even lowered its asking price from $100 million to $81 million.
Though Napoli is offering roughly a $19 million discount on Koulibaly, it remains a stiff price to pay. Most clubs are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some critics believe that the asking fee is a bit high for someone who will be turning 30 next year.
Either way, the final say still depends on City. If the deal is done, Guardiola is expected to pair him with Aymeric Laporte at midfield. From there, it remains to be seen who else among the Sky Blues targets gets signed.
