Manchester City up against Premier League duo in a transfer tug-of-war

After a slow start for Manchester City, many were doubting their chances of winning the title. But the Sky Blues were able to reach the top of the table rather smoothly. Pep and his men are at the top and look like a strong side to win the campaign. The City currently lead the table with 44 points after 20 games.

Pep Guardiola’s side made a record winning all matches played in January. The Cityzens hope to keep the record running as they prepare to clash with Burnley on Wednesday night. However, despite the winning streaks City are keen to reinforce their squad in the summer.

The Sky Blues have certain areas that need new reinforcements. The left-back role is one of the major issues that Pep Guardiola has to consider. Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko are City’s options at left-back. But the duo have not been impressive when given an opportunity. Hence Pep had to play Joao Cancelo on the left side.

City are hence considering a move for Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi. Reports claim that City are not alone in the chase. Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen to make a swoop. This will result in a transfer tug-of-war in the summer window.

Manchester City face tough competition:

Achraf Hakimi has had a very good reputation since his arrival at Inter Milan. The Moroccan footballer signed for Milan in September 2020 from Real Madrid. The La Liga giants sold him for a fee of £35m which they receive in installments. Hakimi was able to make a name for himself from the start of the season. And since have been amassing attention from all around Europe.

Hakimi has been integral to Antonio Conte’s lineup. The wing-back has 6 goals and 4 assists in 20 games in Serie A. But despite his top-notch performances Milan may have to let him go at the end of the season due to financial issues. The Athletic claim that Milan will hear bids in the range of £40m.

Hence, Arsenal and Chelsea hope to swoop him in the upcoming transfer window. The Gunners need a backup for Hector Bellerin, who is likely to make an exit soon. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has also left on loan to West Brom until the end of the season. Hence, Arsenal need some top-quality player to step in in the summer.

Chelsea are also desperate for a goalscoring wing-back. Thomas Tuchel has a way of making his wing-back’s do the goalscoring instead of the forwards. Hence, Hakimi is an ideal candidate in terms of scoring, the youngster also has the pace to make key runs up front. Achraf can make the speedy recovery of the ball and block the counters of the opposition as well.

City planning big:

Reports claim that the Manchester City board are allotting £200m to Pep ahead of the summer window. This will help the Spanish gaffer restructure his squad. Looking at the City squad, it is pretty obvious that he will make a part of his investment in wing-back roles. Pep already has a history of investing a fortune in his center-backs. But the low tally of conceding goals will help him be at ease.

The City mostly play Joao Cancelo, a right-back in the left-back role. This is largely because of the poor performance of Mendy and Zinchenko. The duo have not yet been able to impress Pep and may soon get a ticket out of the Etihad Stadium. Achraf Hakimi will be the perfect player for Pep to sign as a backup.

With Joao Cancelo playing along on the left and providing pinpoint crosses. Achraf Hakimi can play on the right and make runs into the opposition box, breaking their defense. Kyle Walker will also be providing cover, allowing Pep to rotate his lineup. Pep Guardiola can also boost his defensive and attacking attributes by signing the 22-year-old.

Manchester City are also considering Renan Lodi as a potential recruit. But Hakimi is likely to be their top priority in the coming window. If they are able to convince the players then City are likely to beat Arsenal and Chelsea in the transfer race. The addition of the wing-back will help the Cityzens reach a whole new level of football.