According to a report from journalist Miguel Delaney in the Independent, Man City could be more tempted to make a swoop for £43.2 million-valued Inter Milan stalwart Milan Skriniar over Kalidou Koulibaly this summer depending on the result of our CAS appeal.
Skriniar, who has started 26 Serie A games for Inter this season, becoming a formidable figure during their title challenge, could be seen as a viable alternative to Koulibaly given his younger age and the fact he could move to the Etihad for a cheaper fee.
Who should Man City sign?
Milan Skriniar
Kalidou Koulibaly
As per Delaney, Koulibaly remains City’s priority target this summer as we aim to bolster our back line, but if our two-year Champions League ban is upheld by UEFA pending our appeal verdict, Txiki Begiristain and co may turn to Skriniar as a solution to our defensive woes.
However, the Sky Blues are not the only club monitoring both men, with arch rivals and cross-town neighbours Man United also keeping tabs on their respective situations.
Indeed, according to the Independent, both City are United are willing to ‘battle it out‘ for either defender – but manager Pep Guardiola’s need for a centre-back looks ‘greater‘ than the Red Devils by comparison.
Given our apparent interest in both Skriniar and Koulibaly, it may well be clear the Citizens are looking to upgrade the defence by any means necessary in preparation for our title challenge next season – regardless of the eventual UEFA result.
But, if the ban were to be upheld, which we’ll find out during the week of July 13, Skriniar proves to be a more viable alternative if we have to restrict our spending.