Manchester City are reportedly tracking the development of San Lorenzo defender Nicolas Fernandez Mercau and could make a move to sign him.
According to TNT Sports, Manchester City are keeping tabs on the progress of 22-year-old Argentine left-back Nicolas Fernandez Mercau, who plies his trade for San Lorenzo.
A product of the Argentine outfit’s youth academy, Mercau made his senior debut for the club in May last year. Since then, he has seen his role in the team increase gradually, as he has accumulated 24 appearances, scoring two goals in the process.
A left-back by trade, Mercau has been used in more advanced positions on the left flank while he has also played as a defensive midfielder on occasions for San Lorenzo. The youngster is held in high regard within the club and was recently attracting interest from River Plate, who were priced out of a move.
Now, Manchester City have entered the fray for the signing of Mercau, having monitored his progress for a while. The report states that the reigning champions of England will continue to scout him this Thursday when San Lorenzo take on Gimnasia in the Argentine Primera Division.
Manchester City are on the lookout for a new left-sided full-back, with Benjamin Mendy’s career at the club all but over. Pep Guardiola has been using Joao Cancelo as his preferred option in the position, and the Portuguese international has excelled as well. However, he is naturally a right-back, while backup option Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future has been called into action due to his reduced minutes.
Nathan Ake is another player who is capable of slotting in at left-back. However, the Dutchman would not provide the same level of tactical flexibility and attacking intent that someone like Cancelo does. So, it makes sense for the Cityzens to bring in a new left-back who can provide cover for Cancelo and grow into the role in the years to come.
It has led to Manchester City being linked with several players in the position, with Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri having emerged as a target in the recent past. Of late, they have been linked with 17-year-old South American prospect Valentin Barco.
Now, the Premier League champions have set their sights on Nicolas Fernandez Mercau and will scout him in San Lorenzo’s upcoming game against Gimnasia. The 22-year-old’s contract with the Argentine outfit runs out at the end of 2023. Whether Manchester City decide to act on their interest in the left-back after their scouting mission remains to be seen.
