Aymeric Laporte, who has in the past been linked with a possible move away from Manchester City, played an integral role in the Sky Blues’ latest Premier League title triumph.
The Spain defender made 33 Premier League appearances and featured in 44 matches in all competitions for Manchester City last season, as Pep Guardiola’s side secured a fourth Premier League title in five years.
Laporte joined Manchester City from Atletico Bilbao in the January transfer window in 2018 for £57 million, and has since won eight trophies, including four Premier League titles.
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The 28-year-old had been subject to transfer speculation last summer, after the form of John Stones led to the centre-back making just 24 starts.
A number of top European clubs have long admired the Spanish defender, who has been a mainstay in the Blues side this season.
Although a transfer away from the Etihad this summer seems unlikely, Premier League rivals Chelsea reportedly hold an interest in the 28 year-old, as they seek to bolster their central defence.
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Simon Phillips revealed in his latest ‘Si and Dan Talk Chelsea’ Podcast that the West London club have been considering the Manchester City centre-back, and that he is the new name to feature on Chelsea’s list of defensive targets.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have been heavily linked with a move for Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde, as the Chelsea manager looks to replace Antonio Rudiger, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer.
However, according to Simon Philips, “A new name for the CB list is Aymeric Laporte. I’ve been told now by three of my close sources that he’s a name Chelsea have been considering.
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"He’s a defender who has been bought up in recent conversations.”
Laporte is contracted to the Etihad Stadium until 2025, after penning a long-term deal in 2019.
The London club, who beat Manchester City in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, have also been linked with Raheem Sterling, as the Englishman nears the final 12 months of his current City contract.
Fellow Blues centre-back Nathan Aké has also recently been linked with Chelsea, as Nathan Gissing of Di Marzio, claimed that Tuchel was a ‘big fan’ of the Dutchman and that the Premier League side are interested in re-signing the 27-year-old.
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However, as it stands, no official approach has been made for any of the aforementioned names.
Topics: Manchester City, Aymeric Laporte, Premier League, Chelsea, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Harry Winters