Pep Guardiola reportedly wants Manchester City to tie up a deal for promising River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, but faces competition.
According to Fichajes, Manchester City are interested in exploring a move for Lautaro Rivero. The talented REiver Plate star has a big admirer in Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan boss pushing the club to tie up a deal for the centre-back, but faces big competition in the market.
Manchester City are turning a corner in the transfer market, with their aggressive approach in snapping up bright talents from around. Pep Guardiola does feel like a rebuild could be in order, as he continues to focus on every department of his squad carefully.
Their defense is something that bothers Guardiola, with a host of changes expected in the near future. Having signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, which signals the beginning of a refresh, as new names could arrive at the expense of some of the long-serving stars.
John Stones’ future remains uncertain, whereas Nathan Ake could be one of the first ones through the door next summer. Should the latter depart, Guardiola would seek a left-footed central defender, as Manchester City have Lautaro Rivero on their list of potential replacements.
Rivero’s ability on the ball and his other attributes as a centre-back would suit Manchester City as their long-term option in the role. Guardiola is pushing Manchester City to get a deal done, with River Plate in a strong position given the 22-year-old South American defender’s contract only ends at the end of December 2028.
Manchester City to face intense competition?
Manchester City are not alone in the race for Rivero, with a host of other teams, including Tottenham, showing interest previously. The north Londoners could be in the market to add a left-sided centre-back either as competition or in anticipation of Micky Van de Ven’s departure in the future.
Tottenham could offer Rivero a big opportunity to establish himself in English football, while Aston Villa are also showing an interest. It remains to be seen whether Rivero makes it to Manchester City, but their inability to guarantee a key role could potentially prove challenging, considering some other sides could make him an important part of their teams.
