Man City have been linked all summer with a transfer move for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, and while the Manchester Evening News understands we are not ‘actively pursing’ a deal at the moment – club chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s latest update should have us reeling.
The Daily Mail claimed last month that City had identified Alaba alongside the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly as potential defensive acquisitions, with manager Pep Guardiola having worked with the Austrian in Bavaria.
Who would you rather sign at left-back for City?
Alex Sandro
David Alaba
Nobody, we have Zinchenko, Mendy, Angelino and Joao Cancelo
Given our need for a proven left-back, this potential transfer blow could be our first major summer stumbling block.However, Bayern executive Rummenigge has now seemingly put a dent in our hopes of acquiring the 28-year-old – going on to explain to the media he is ‘cautiously optimistic‘ Alaba will put pen-to-paper on a new deal.
Why Alaba would be a perfect City addition…
Given his past contract situation, City could have been hopeful of acquiring him for less than his £58.5 million Transfermarkt valuation – with the defender’s current deal expiring at the end of next season.
Now that Bayern are hopeful of him extending his stay, City could have to pay over the odds if we wish to reignite our pursuit.
According to WhoScored, compared to our current left-back options, only Oleksandr Zinchenko has averaged more tackles per 90.
In terms of interceptions, Alaba has no competitors, making a higher number on average than both Zinchenko and Benjamin Mendy.
As well as this, the 72-cap international can play as a centre-back when required, something that could entice Guardiola despite the fact we recently signed Nathan Ake who can do the same.
Alaba’s glowing reputation…
Teammate Joshua Kimmich has waxed lyrical over Alaba’s contributions in the past, hailing him as ‘one of the best in the world’ at centre-back to the Bundesliga’s official website.
“He’s outstanding for me as a left-back, but I think he’s one of the best in the world at centre-back,” the Germany international explained.
“I’ve told David that. His body language is amazing, he has great build-up play and keeps calm under pressure.”
The final verdict…
While there are certainly other options in the transfer market, Rummenigge’s update can debatably be considered a blow to City’s hopes of signing a proven left-back.