The Citizens have spent in excess of £300million in their defensive recruitment since 2016. That figure is only bound to rise up furthermore with Guardiola looking to strengthen his squad depth for the 2018-19 season.
Manchester City have reportedly eyed 23 year old Slovakian, Milan Škriniar who attracted interest from them in the winter transfer market. The La Beneamata side rejected City’s offer of £57 million in January realising the rising talent of the Slovakian. At just 23 years of age, Škriniar looks set to become one of the best centre-backs for the future.
Milan Škriniar’s numbers thus far.
The youngster has started each of the 26 games that Inter have played in the Serie A, not missing a minute’s action. While this certainly confirms the faith shown by his manager, it also documents his fitness levels. In the 2340 minutes, he has taken to the pitch, the defender has found the net on 4 occasions.
With a pass success of 91.5%, there is not the slightest of doubts in Guardiola’s interest to bring him to the Etihad. In the game against Juventus, the Slovakian had 63 passes with a pass success of 96.8%. Possibly one of the biggest games of the season, Škriniar epitomised calmness and composure. These numbers are well and truly staggering for a 23-year-old; no wonder he is touted to be one of the best in the business.
Where does he find a place in City’s line-up?
There is no doubting the youngster’s quality but does it guarantee a regular place in the starting line-up? City now have 4 established defenders with the likes of Kompany, Otamendi, Stones and the recently purchased Laporte. Such big names on the ranks, one would definitely feel he would have to settle for a role on the bench. But given his recent performances, he could well and truly be the one to start games for Pep. Whether or not Pep decides to instal him in the main 11 remains to be seen if at all the move goes through.
Another alternative could be the idea of deploying a 3 man defence, a system not too new for the Spaniard. This defence flanked by the speedy and strong wing-backs in the form of Mendy and Walker make them a solid yet devastating side.
Will he head for another club record signing?
Surely, with the market so highly inflated, and the rendition on the pitch by the Slovakian, he will not come cheap by any means. Inter Milan have reportedly slapped a £70 million price tag on him with sights set on making him a long stay at the club. Škriniar has a contract that only runs out in 2022 which puts Milan in a position to dictate terms and be the more authoritative club as far as this transfer is concerned.
Will Pep make a second move for the Slovakian?