A new centre-back is named as a Manchester City target but it’s not a position that appears be a priority | OneFootball

As the summer transfer window approaches Manchester City continue to be linked with players. When you look at Pep Guardiola’s squad the need for City to strengthen in midfield, at both full-back positions and potentially sign a new goalkeeper stands out. Now, a new report has named Lazio centre-back Mario Gila as a potential summer target for the world champions. But on closer inspection, signing a new centre-back doesn’t appear to be a major priority for Manchester City at this stage.

Saikat Chatterjee has reported for CaughtOffside that Manchester City are among a host of clubs that are interested in signing Mario Gila from Lazio. Furthermore, Chatterjee reports that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Tottenham are also interested in signing Gila this summer. Chatterjee further reports that Lazio could sell the Spanish centre-back for a transfer fee of between €40-45 million. Lastly, Chatterjee adds that City have been impressed with Mario Gila’s composure, defensive acumen and passing ability.

Manchester City do not appear to need another centre-back although that situation could change.

Looking at Manchester City’s squad they are stacked with centre-backs. Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are City’s centre-back options. Perhaps if one or two of those players left Manchester City this summer that situation could change. But recent comments from Pep Guardiola give the impression that City aren’t looking for another centre-back this summer.

Speaking before Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola spoke of what Josko Gvardiol brings to the centre-back role for his team. Tellingly, Pep Guardiola also said his team doesn’t need another centre-back. Speaking on the situation Guardiola said: “I don’t think the club needs central defenders, we have a lot and we bought two young ones. It’s important to have a player that can play there and left back.”

Manchester City might like Lazio centre-back Mario Gila as a player. But based on Pep Guardiola’s recent comments a move for the Lazio defender appears unlikely. It is a position that City have plenty of cover in. That may change depending on who leaves City this summer. But for now, Mario Gila seems to be a player City may admire but not move for this summer.