Manchester City have been on a roll since the season kicked off. Pep Guardiola seems to be in a hurry to wrap up the Premier League title and seems desperate to win some silverware. City steamrolled Stoke City 7-2 what was a brilliant attacking display from the Sky Blues.
But the gaffer is still not satisfied with the squad depth and wants to rectify a number of positions. If reports are to be believed City are considering an offer for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand.
The first choice left back Bernard Mendy has been ruled out for a prolonged period and Guardiola is searching an efficient cover for him. Mendy arrived at the Etihad from Monaco this summer but his new adventure has been short-lived as a knee injury spoiled his party.
Guardiola overhauled his fullback department as he brought in Mendy, Danilo and Kyle Walker to stabilize the defence. Danilo and Walker both can change flanks, so as of now things are looking in control but in a long run, Guardiola would be needed a specialist right back.
Bertrand has been a regular for the Saints and currently occupies a place in the first team. It remains to be seen whether Mauricio Pellegrino approves his departure or not but if City come calling with a lucrative offer, the Saints might cash in on the English international.
Bertrand remains one of the priority players for Gareth Southgate and keeping in mind the World Cup next year, he would like to get some in regular football and when Mendy returns from injury, things will become difficult.
Bertrand currently has a contract till 2021 and with to his current form, his future is pretty secure at the St Mary’s at this moment. The 28-year-old has pace, is an avid crosser of the ball and can roam forward with his marauding run through the flanks.
Attack has been the main ammunition for the Manchester-based outfit but the defence also needs to be sharp given the attacking prospects of the current Premier League sides. The gaffer already phased out the ageing fullbacks in the summer but an injury to Mendy has halted his plans.
Guardiola himself talked about this problem. ” We will see if we can add players in January. The problem we have is the Mendy injury.” City splashed heavily to fulfil Pep’s wishlist and we could expect another busy January transfer window. But is Bertrand an option they should look at?
