The Daily Star Sunday claim Manchester City have already made an approach to recruit Layvin Kurzawa from Monaco in the New Year.
With former Arsenal ace Gael Clichy and Serbia international Aleksandar Kolarov on their books, a new left fullback would not appear to be a position in which the reigning champions need to reinforce. However, as steady as both of these players undoubtedly are, it can also be argued that Manuel Pellegrini is far from having confidence in making either his undisputed first choice.
According to reports, the Chilean coach has now set his sights on a deal for Monaco ace Kurzawa, with the Daily Star Sunday claiming the wheels are already in motion. Indeed, the tabloid believes the 22-year-old, who would cost £17million, flew into Manchester last week to discuss a move to the Etihad Stadium club when the winter transfer window reopens in the New Year.
The France international, who has two caps for his country, has already been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but if these reports are true, then the Blues can be considered to be in pole position for his signature. Having made brief appearances for the Ligue 1 club since making his debut in 2010, Kurzawa had his breakthrough season last term when he played in 28 league matches, and he now has 56 in total as well as making four appearances in the UEFA Champions League this term.
Pellegrini will be again restricted in the market by UEFA’s decision to punish them for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, and whilst this doesn’t mean he won’t look to add to his options in the winter, for the time being he is focused on matters on the pitch. The former Malaga coach said: “We will see but I repeat that at this moment it is not the first priority to talk about. We are not thinking about that because I think it’s important to trust in the squad that we have.”
City, meanwhile, have the opportunity to gain two points on Chelsea this weekend after Jose Mourinho’s side were held to a goalless draw at Sunderland. Pellegrini’s side now travel to Southampton to take on a side who are currently above them in the table, although this would change if the visitors win at St Mary’s, which would also see them move within six points of the Stamford Bridge club.
Is Kurzawa a better option that what City already have, or should they stick with Clichy and Kolarov? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
