Man City are considering a move for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, according to reports in the Italian media.
Pep Guardiola’s side have lost two key defenders, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, to long-term injuries, and Director of Football Hugo Viana has been looking for potential replacements.
Bolognasportnews.it claim that Lucumi is one of the names under consideration if the Cityzens do decide to delve into the market before the transfer window closes later this month.
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The Colombian international was linked with both Aston Villa and Sunderland last summer, when he had a €28m (£24.3m) buyout fee in his contract. That clause ultimately expired, and the player ended up staying in Italy.
Lucumi has received praise from his manager
Speaking in February last year, Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano said that the 27-year-old has all the attributes required to be a top defender, but he can still improve in certain areas:
“Lucumi, with that physicality and that dexterity, is an incredible player. But even Jhon knows that to become an absolute level player, he has to avoid those mistakes.”
“If he applies [himself], he can do it. It’s a matter of head, he can become a top [player]. We have analysed the errors, we talk straight without getting impermalized, we have seen and analyzed we hope to improve.”
Man City are still prioritising a move for another defender
Despite the apparent interest in Lucumi, Bolognasportnews.it report that the Colombian remains below Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on the Manchester club’s shortlist.
The 25-year-old has been linked with Arsenal in recent days, along with Liverpool, but it is believed both of those teams are more interested in signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
City, in contrast, would like to agree a deal this month, but the costs involved may put them off. It is, therefore, not a surprise that alternatives, like Lucumi, are being looked at.
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