It seems like Manchester City have shortlisted a few targets they hope to sign before or potentially even on deadline day.
Gianluigi Donnarumma could join Manchester City on deadline day if Ederson’s move to Galatasaray is finalised by that point.
However, the Sky Blues may be unable to sign some other players, with Rodrygo set to stay at Real Madrid despite being strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi’s priority is to sign for Liverpool despite speculation emerging that City were planning to make a late surge to secure his services.
Man City should make a move for Arsenal target Piero Hincapie
With Bayer Leverkusen targeting Manuel Akanji as Piero Hincapie’s replacement, who is desperate to join Arsenal, Manchester City should make a move for the Ecuadorian centre-back.
Piero Hincapie in action during Bayer 04 Leverkusen v TSG Hoffenheim
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Akanji is contemplating his future with Leverkusen, Galatasaray and Crystal Palace being keen on his signature and the 23-year-old would be an excellent addition for City if the Swiss international leaves the club.
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Aside from Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City lack another left-footed centre-half on their books and Hincapie could perhaps take the Dutchman’s place in the squad, who is quite injury-prone.
Ruben Dias struggled against Tottenham and one of the reasons behind why he had a tough outing is because the Portuguese international often plays as a left-sided centre-back — a role where he can find it difficult to progress the ball due to being right-footed — losing possession six times against Spurs.
RUBEN DIAS STATS VS TOTTENHAM
GOALS CONCEDED 2
POSSESSION LOST 6
INTERCEPTIONS 1
TOTAL TACKLES 2
Arsenal target Hincapie, on the other hand would be a natural fit in such a position for both Manchester City and since signing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, he has proven to be terrific in possession. The former Talleres defender is proficient at breaking the lines, playing expansive passes and carrying the ball.
Furthermore, Manchester City’s defence has been leaky since last season, with the likes of Stones and Ake often being unavailable.
Hincapie, however, has been a mainstay for Leverkusen for four seasons and he could be a brilliant addition when looking at the state of City’s backline in the long run — with Stones, Ake and Akanji all being in their 30s and Dias being 28.
The Bundesliga winner is not only composed on the ball but boosts any side’s athleticism, having the speed to sweep up any signs of danger in wide areas, the physical frame to compete with strong attackers and the reading of the game to play at the top level.
Piero Hincapie could play in three positions for Man City
The Esmeraldas-born star has a £51.3 million (ESPN) release clause in his contract and Pep Guardiola, in particular would appreciate his versatility, which is why he should suggest City to try and sign him.
PIERO HINCAPIE’S VERSATILITY
POSITIONS MATCHES
CENTRE-BACK 124
LEFT-BACK 48
LEFT MIDFIELD 14
Hincapie could do a job in all three roles, which is perhaps why Arsenal have decided to make a move for him but Manchester City have every reason to do so as well.
However, as things stand, it seems unlikely that City will join them in the race.