According to a recent report by Spanish publication Todofichajes, Premier League giants Manchester City have identified this Juventus defender as their next signing for the club. The report suggests that Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for a commanding defensive powerhouse, someone who can effectively replace the now-departed Belgian Vincent Kompany. It is claimed that the manager is keen on finding a player in the same vein, and that he has asked for the Italian international to be brought in at the earliest possible chance.
Although the report has clarified that Manchester City are interested in Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, whether or not this move actually takes shape, remains to be seen. It has been suggested that Manchester City have been focusing their attention towards the Italian Serie A in their search for a defender, and that the experienced Italian is the prime candidate for the position. Despite Guardiola’s reported strong interest, it has been claimed that Juventus are not willing to negotiate his departure at this point. Even if they were going to, it’s safe to assume that Manchester City would have to splurge the cash.
What Is Manchester City’s Current Defensive Situation?
The Manchester club haven’t had the greatest of starts to the Premier League season, and Pep Guardiola hasn’t looked like a happy man over recent weeks either. While City fans and neutrals alike are quick to blame the attackers for not producing creativity, their defensive acumen needs to be questioned heavily as well. One thing that needs to be taken into account is that Manchester City currently have five out-and-out centre-half options in the team, where four of them have prior experience of playing in the Premier League.
Ruben Dias has been neat and tidy in parts, but his decision making at times has been questionable. Aymeric Laporte just hasn’t looked like the same player since returning from injury, and his struggle seems to just carry on. Nathan Ake was brought in from Bournemouth after the Cherries were relegated last season. The former Chelsea man has been impressive in glimpses but hasn’t done enough to get into the team often. John Stones, surprisingly, has been a breath of fresh air, in that he looks like a player who has been completely rejuvenated. Eric Garcia, despite being on the last legs on his contract, remains an option too.
What Would Leonardo Bonucci Add To This Manchester City Team?
The Italian international has been around the top of the European game for a number of years now, and to question his quality or ability to lead a backline would be nothing more than a waste of time. Standing at 1.9m tall, Bonucci offers a presence as dominant as that of Kompany at the back, in that he tends to take control of the aerial spaces above the box. Arguably one of the most intelligent defenders in football today, his positioning and tackling are right up there with the best too. With vast experience and nine Serie A titles under his belt, Bonucci could be the man to guide City back to the top of the Premier League.
Manchester City Are Interested In Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci: Should Guardiola Go For It?
Although it hasn’t looked like it on the football pitch so far this season, Manchester City actually have what is arguably the strongest defensive roster in the entirety of the English top-flight. John Stones has come into form at the perfect time for Manchester City, and his influence will be crucial in the coming weeks. The Englishman is this City side’s most experienced defender, and if he’s able to maintain the form, he might finally be able to live up to the hype. As things stand, City don’t need another defender, and unless someone like Eric Garcia departs next summer, there’s no reason for them to start looking for one.
