Nahuel Molina is attracting interest from Manchester Cityplaceholder image
Nahuel Molina is attracting interest from Manchester City | Getty Images
Man City are thought to be in the market for a Kyle Walker replacement
Manchester City have emerged as strong contenders to sign highly-rated Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina ahead of the January transfer window. Pep Guardiola is aiming to assemble a team capable of regaining the Premier League title and has earmarked the right-back position as a key area that needs improvement.
Long-serving defender Kyle Walker fell down the pecking order at the start of last season and subsequently spent the final six months of the campaign out on loan at AC Milan before departing on a permanent to Burnley.
The Sheffield-born defender was regarded as one of the finest players in his position throughout most of his career at the Etihad Stadium. He won six league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League and was named in the PFA Team of the Season on three different occasions during his time with the Sky Blues, including most recently in the 2023/24 season.
However, City are yet to full replace him with youngster Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes both playing that role on occasion, although both are perhaps best suited to a defensive midfield role.
Man City show interest in Nahuel Molina
According to TEAMtalk, "City are monitoring the situation of Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina as they consider options for the new year."
Molina is a 54-time Argentina international with bags of experience at the highest level. He’s a World Cup winner and was an integral part of his nation’s road to glory, featuring in every match across the tournament. He’s also won the Copa America with his country and is considered the first choice starter for Lionel Scaloni’s team.
The 27-year-old started his career in Argentina with Boca Juniors but didn’t establish himself as a senior international until 2021 a year after his move to Italy with Udinese.
He spent two seasons at the Bluenergy Stadium before moving to Atletico where he was signed as a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier. Molina has racked 141 appearances for the capital side since making the move and has registered seven goals and 13 assists.
He’s played 26 times in the Champions League and has consistently helped his team finish inside the top four. However, he’s found first team minutes slightly harder to come by this term and has only started one league game, with his remaining minutes all coming from the subs bench.
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