Reigning English champions Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Manchester City are among the clubs monitoring the progress of Mattias Svanberg. One of their chief scouts were apparently present during Bologna’s game against AS Roma, primarily to keep an eye on the young midfielder, who has raised many eyebrows this season.
A product of the Malmo youth academy, Svanberg joined Bologna back in 2018. He joined the club for a fee of just €4.5 million – a move that has turned out to be a bargain for the Italian outfit, as the player has since emerged as one of the most gifted players in the team.
During his ongoing three-and-a-half-year spell at Bologna, the youngster has notched up over 100 competitive appearances for the club. A central midfielder by trade, he has made a solid impression with his work ethic in the middle of the park, coupled with his athleticism and versatility.
Svanberg’s exploits in the Serie A have helped him make a breakthrough in the Swedish national team as well. He has already won 15 caps for his country and was involved in the Euro 2020 setup, though he was ruled out of the competition due to Covid infection.
The 22-year-old’s early success has now put Manchester City on the prowl for his signing. The reigning English champions are in the market for new midfielders as Pep Guardiola prepares for life without the ageing Fernandinho.
Manchester City have been linked with a move for Frenkie de Jong, but the Barcelona superstar has no intention of joining the Citizens. As such, the club are considering other options in the market, with Mattias Svanberg emerging as one of the ideal alternatives.
The Bologna starlet has made quite an impression with his performances in Serie A. And despite being 22, he has gained a significant amount of experience at the highest level of football, making him a potentially smart long-term investment for the Premier League giants.
Svanberg is unlikely to cost a fortune either, although Manchester City have no shortage of alternatives, should they require more experience and pedigree from a midfielder. In recent days, they have been dealt with a boost in the pursuit of Toni Kroos, with the Real Madrid superstar apparently considering a move to Etihad.
It remains unclear whether a potential move for the German will derail Man City’s interest in Svanberg. But it is apparent that the young Swede will need to maintain his good performances throughout the course of the campaign if he is to have any hopes of earning a big-money move next summer.