According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Manchester City are keen to sign Mario Lemina this summer. The Southampton midfielder is reportedly wanted by Pep Guardiola despite having a long-term contract with the Saints.
The interest in the former Juventus midfielder originates after the Sky Blues missed out on the services of Jorginho and Fred, both of who have joined their Premier League rivals in the shape of Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.
“Back in January they were on the verge of signing Fred but then it looks like they switched attention to Jorginho. Manchester United nipped in for Fred and Chelsea nipped in for Jorginho,” Sheth said.
“We are told Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina is on a list of their targets. Quite how high we don’t know but he’s someone who has interested them.” – he added.
Despite boasting some of the most talented footballers in world football, especially in the midfield department, the Premier League champions could face a series of problems next season. Fernandinho, in particular, has already entered the final phase of the career and as iterated by Sheth, the Brazilian is a vital component to Man City’s overall gameplay.
Thus, the Gabonese international seems like a viable target for the Sky Blues as they aim to address their problems before the start of the new campaign.
Lemina, 24, is regarded as one of the most talented players in Gabonese football along with Arsenal hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Since arriving at the Premier League last summer, the 24-year-old featured in 25 games for Southampton scoring one goal and providing one assist.
However, offensive productivity is definitely not his forte. Instead, the Gabonese international is known for his craft and industry in the centre of the pitch. Although his decision making in the final third is questionable at times, Lemina is definitely a talented individual who possesses the ability to make things happen.
That being said, investing in this highly talented midfielder could prove to be a huge gamble for Manchester City. The Southampton midfielder is yet to fulfil his hyped potential since joining the club last summer and his performance last season was far from great.
Lemina created only eight chances in 25 matches as the Saints were almost relegated to the second division. In addition, the 24-year-old also has four years remaining on his current contract, meaning the Sky Blues will likely have to cough up a huge sum in order to secure his services for the coming season.
Therefore, acquiring the signature of Mario Lemina might not the most prudent move for Manchester City as they aim to sustain their dominance in English football in the forthcoming campaign.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored