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Forget Ake: Man City must land £54.5m-rated “beast” who has shades of Koulibaly – Opinion

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According to a recent report courtesy of Spanish outlet El Desmarque, Man City are starting to ‘move seriously’ over signing Sevilla defender Diego Carlos this summer – with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the transfer race. 

Despite nearing a deal for Bournemouth star Nathan Ake, it appears Pep Guardiola and co haven’t slammed the breaks when it comes to keeping a watchful eye on new defensive acquisitions – and it’s potentially clear that the Spaniard could in fact be a superior option.

Should Man City sign Diego Carlos or Nathan Ake?

Ake

Carlos

Why not both?

Bang on the money…

The Telegraph claim that Carlos, who stands at a lofty 6ft 1, could leave the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for a price reduction of £54.5 million – down from his release clause of £68 million.

Indeed, it appears the recent global pandemic is forcing many top clubs from around the continent to sell for cheaper prices, potentially gifting the Sky Blues a chance to land the La Liga colossus.

According to WhoScored, there’s little arguing that Carlos would be a solid addition to City’s backline – with the 27-year-old so far averaging five league clearances per 90 – even more than star rival defender Virgil van Dijk. 

The Laporte conundrum…

Closing in on a move for Ake, you could make the argument he is not the centre-back we need off his foot preference alone – with the left-sided centre-back potentially having to oust Aymeric Laporte for regular game time on that side.

Guardiola has been serially rotating his starting eleven this season, and may well do so again over 2019/2020, but Ake could still find it difficult to regularly feature with Laporte for company.

Carlos, however, plays on his right side – a position at centre-half we seem desperate to fill given the unreliable John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.

Compared to Koulibaly…

Speaking on the Liverpool Echo’s Blood Red podcast, Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak labelled Carlos a ‘revelation’ whilst revealing he has the nickname ‘beast’ in his native homeland.

Putting the Sevilla colossus in the same league as star defenders Raphael Varane and Inigo Martinez, the La Liga expert has also claimed that there is a ‘shade’ of Kalidou Koulibaly about him.

Judging by his noteworthy praise, it’s clear to see why he could be worth the price tag from our perspective – especially given his reputation for being an aerial duel king. 

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