From Italy: Pep Guardiola 'Admires' Serie A Defender As Manchester City Move Expected

Manchester City are expected to make an approach for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, as per a new report.

It seems like the Premier League champions are aiming to address virtually every department in the squad that needs strengthening ahead of the new season.

The arrivals of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland from River Plate and Borussia Dortmund respectively have transformed their strike force.

Manchester City officials and Pep Guardiola with the Premier League trophy (Image: Alamy)

Gabriel Jesus will soon be confirmed as an Arsenal player as Chelsea look to close a deal for Raheem Sterling in the coming weeks.

In midfield, Manchester City have reached an agreement with Leeds United to complete the £42 million signing of Kalvin Phillips.

Similarly, the Sky Blues look set to complete the coup of Stefan Ortega after City’s prospective new shotstopper visited the Etihad Stadium this week to complete a three-year move to the Etihad Stadium ahead of an official announcement.

Gabriel Jesus arriving for his Arsenal medical (Image: ISOIMAGES LTD / The Sun)

Known to be chasing Marc Cucurella’s signature as well, Pep Guardiola could replace Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back next term, with Everton and Chelsea interested in the Ukraine international.

However, one area of the pitch that has not been bombarded with links to fresh additions is at centre-back.

The only name that has made the headlines in relation to a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer is Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt.

Matthijs de Ligt may be set for a move away from Juventus this summer (Image: Alamy)

Manchester United were understood to be in competition with City for the Dutchman’s signature, with Erik ten Hag’s side claimed to have made initial contact with the defender’s entourage.

It was stated that while the 22-year-old’s release clause in Turin is set at a whopping €120 million this summer, Juventus would be willing to accept offers in excess of €70 million.

In addition to these details, another link to the former Ajax captain has surfaced involving the Premier League champions.

Matthijs de Ligt gestures in the Serie A clash between Napoli and Juventus (Image: Alamy)

As per a report by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Juventus are ‘confident’ that Manchester City will make an approach to sign Matthijs de Ligt.

A prime reason behind the Turin outfit’s strong belief remains that Pep Guardiola has never hidden his admiration for the highly-rated defender.

In addition, Nathan Ake has been recently linked with a possible return to Chelsea, which could leave a gap to fill in defence in Manchester City’s senior squad.

Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt training for the Netherlands National Team (Image: Alamy)

Thomas Tuchel’s side have themselves previously been reported as being extremely keen on signing de Ligt after Antonio Rudiger moved to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen close to joining Barcelona.

While there is no denying Matthijs de Ligt’s quality, it seems unlikely at present that City will be eyeing his addition this summer.

Considering the sizeable price-tag in place and Nathan Ake expected to stay put in Manchester, it is difficult to imagine City prioritising the Juventus defender’s signature at present.