Two positions Pep Guardiola doesn’t need to strengthen at Manchester City are in defence and defensive-midfield, but Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness) say he’s on the hunt for a young talent who can occupy both roles.
Guardiola has five centre-backs in Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and John Stones while having two deep-lying midfielders in Kalvin Phillips and Rodri, but reports say he’s looking at Giorgio Scalvini.
The 18-year-old joined Atalanta from Brescia in 2015 and has gone on to make 32 appearances in all competitions after rising through the youth ranks to the first-team – 17 appearances for the U17s, one appearance for the U18s, 41 appearances for the reserve team.
Scalvini had to be patient for opportunities at the start of the season but has been a regular at the back since mid-September. The Italian international, who has represented his country on three occasions was named in their World Cup squad, has made 11 Serie A appearances this campaign.
He boasts more tackles (1.7 per game on average) than Manuel Akanji (1.6) and has made more interceptions (1.1) than Ruben Dias (1), so Scalvini would improve the City defence. And his ability to play in midfield means Guardiola would have another excellent ball-winner.
Corriere dello Sport say the 18-year-old may cost close to €30m (£25.9m) and has interest from Juventus and Inter Milan, so City have stiff competition for his signature.
In other news, Aymeric Laporte to make first competitive appearance for Spain since 2021
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