Manchester City: Pep Guardiola eyes swap deal with Barcelona
The Blues have already struck two transfer deals in the market.
Losing the Premier League title to Liverpool by an 18-point margin has not been taken lightly by Manchester City hierarchy as Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain have made significant moves to shuffle their squad ahead of next season.
Since learning their European fate via the verdict of Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions, Man City have been aggressive in the transfer market in what is a crucial summer for Pep Guardiola to cover ground on his adversary Jurgen Klopp.
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After conceding Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich, Manchester City have found a replacement in Ferran Torres from Valencia. The 20-year-old will pen a five-year contract as clubs have reached an agreement over the transfer worth £20.9m, rising to £31.8m with bonuses.
Witnessing Man City losing out on crucial points owing to reckless defensive performances in the Premier League, it has been certain for a while that Pep Guardiola will target at least two accomplished central defenders in the market.
Thus far, the Cityzens have found one in Nathan Ake, who would be allowed to leave the South Coast as AFC Bournemouth accepted a bid of £40m+£1m for their central defender from Manchester City. A few details are being finalised before the deal is made official.
Pep Guardiola has met his match 👀 pic.twitter.com/FFrlftXmuO
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 31, 2020
Before trying their hands at Kalidou Koulibaly or others, the Sky Blues have to sort the futures of the defenders currently contracted with the club. One of the academy products, Eric Garcia has been itching to secure a move back to Spain.
Garcia, a La Masia graduate, has earned the admiration of Pep Guardiola – who has preferred the Catalan defender ahead of John Stones last season. However, the 19-year-old has had his head turned by Barcelona’s interest as Blaugrana seek a long-term replacement for ageing Gerard Pique.
Citing the economic limitations owing to the pandemic, Barcelona have presented a prospective swap deal involving Eric Garcia and Nelson Semedo. However, Man City have their eyes set on Sergi Roberto. The Blues are keen to replace Joao Cancelo who has had an underwhelming debut season in English football.
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"Barcelona and Manchester City have been talking about full-back swap deals and Eric Garcia, who wants to return to the Blaugrana this summer with one year left on his deal in England.The two clubs will intensify talks after the Champions League ends to avoid sporting conflicts, but Barça are clear that City’s No.1 target is Sergi Roberto. (SPORT)"
Fitting Pep Guardiola’s full-back template, Man City are prepared to pay a premium price for the Spain international including Eric Garcia moving to Catalan. The talks are expected to accelerate once the Champions League campaign is over.