Eliaquim Mangala is the second Manchester City player to be linked with a move to Inter Milan, after midfielder Yaya Toure’s entourage also claimed that the Ivorian has held talks with the Nerazzuri over a possible transfer in July.
The Frenchman, who was included in Didier Deschamps’ 28-man France squad for Euro 2016 ahead of the likes of Lyon’s Samuel Umtiti, has had a dismal season at Manchester City. Despite a very promising début against Diego Costa and Chelsea, Mangala has been caught out of position on one too many occasions this season, contributing to City’s poor defensive record.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the former Porto centre-back does not feature in the plans of Pep Guardiola once he takes charge of Manchester City. The Citizens would be keen to send him away to Serie A club Inter Milan in the summer on loan in the hopes of raising his market value.
Inter Milan had courted the player ever since his time at Standard Liege and could offer the player a way out of England. However, a possible move depends on the future of Jeison Murillo, with a lot of clubs interested in the Colombia international. Murillo’s centre-back partner Miranda has also been linked with moves away from the club.
Mangala could improve under a different manager
The error prone defender has accumulated 8 yellow cards in the Premier League this season in 23 appearances, much to the frustration of the Manchester City fans. A swap deal involving Murillo and Mangala could be proposed by Manchester City.
Mangala’s lack of decisiveness in aerial duels coupled with a high percentage of fouls — often just outside the box leading to a free kick from a dangerous position for the opponents — has left him out of favour with the club and the fans.
But like so many defenders (most significantly his countryman Kalidou Koulibaly), Mangala can improve under a different coach (as Koulibaly had done under Sarri this season). With Guardiola on his way however, it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman takes his chances with the former Barcelona and Bayern tactician or prefers a move abroad to learn under the careful eye of Roberto Mancini.
