The Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are growing increasingly frustrated by their club’s inability to close deals for both Jorginho and Riyad Mahrez, and the longer the sagas drag on the more they are beginning to doubt that a conclusion will be reached.
Jorginho is a player who is seen as a natural successor to Fernandinho in midfield, despite the lingering doubts over his ability to match the standard the Brazilian has set whilst single-handedly performing the role of two midfielders. In truth, Fernandinho is a unique talent who will be almost impossible to replace, but it seems Pep Guardiola deems Jorginho as a worthy candidate to succeed him in City’s anchor role.
However, it’s important that Guardiola keeps his eye out for an alternative talent this summer in case City are unable to agree terms with Napoli, and recent reports suggest a dream target has become available. According to a report from the Italian media outlet CalcioMercato (via Le10Sport) Marco Verratti’s agent Mino Raiola has offered the Italian midfielder to some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid all entertaining the possibility of signing him this summer.
Quite simply, Verratti is one of the most effective central midfield players in world football, and it’s a real shame he will not be participating in the World Cup this summer. Since joining PSG in 2012, Verratti has blossomed into a complete midfielder who has the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
There are certainly parallels to be drawn between Verratti and Fernandinho’s style, as they are both technically gifted players who are able to pull the strings whilst offering an unbreakable shield for the back-four. The task of replacing Fernandinho which has been bestowed upon Guardiola this summer is certainly one of the most difficult he will have to undertake in the transfer market during his career at the Etihad, but the signing of Verratti could represent the perfect solution for him this summer.
Considering Verratti’s notorious super-agent is looking to offload him, it seems City have been given the green light to pursue his signature in the coming weeks and they would be foolish not to take full advantage of the situation which has presented itself.
Man City fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
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