Manchester City have just been dealt a severe transfer market blow within the past few days. Their long-term transfer target, Dani Alves has snubbed them in order to join PSG.
After spending eight seasons with Barcelona, the Brazilian left for Juventus in 2016 on a two-year deal. Alves really had an influential first season in Torino but after growing tensions with the Juve board, the right-back handed in a transfer request at the end of the season. And no sooner did this happen, than Manchester City were clearing up their locker room space in order to welcome the Brazilian.
Guardiola was keen on reuniting with his Ex-Barcelona man and wanted him to share right-back duties with the incoming Kyle Walker. The City boss was so sure that he will be able to land the 34-year-old that he dismissed Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta, both right-backs.
But now in a late twist of events, Alves has changed his decision and instead moved to PSG on a two-year deal. This has left Guardiola in a bit of fix, especially with the Kyle Walker deal making no sort of progress. And now the blue half of Manchester might just leave for their pre-season tour without a proper right-back amongst their ranks.
We take look at three right-backs that Guardiola could opt for:
1. Pablo Maffeo – Manchester City
An answer to Dani Alves might just be under the noses of Manchester City. The 20-year-old joined City in 2013 and is effectively an academy graduate. The Spaniard is highly rated in the academy circle for his huge talent and has spent the past season out on loan to Spanish side Girona. City have already agreed to loan him back for another season, but now that Alves has given the club a miss, it would make good sense if Guardiola cancels the deal and holds him back.
According to reports, City have already agreed on a loan deal and the Spanish U-19 player is expected to start training with Girona from Monday. But now might just be a good time for the City boss to show some much-needed faith on his academy and its products.
Read: Besiktas is eyeing this Manchester City midfielder.
2. Serge Aurier – PSG
The PSG man is currently on of the finest right-backs there is in European football. His performances over the past year have been nothing short of mesmerising, and he has even been compared to Dani Alves himself. So Ivorian will definitely be a suitable replacement for Alves.
But the 24-year-old is already amongst the spotlight with clubs Manchester United, Juventus and Inter all chasing him. So if Guardiola wants to sign him then he will have to move quickly before someone else signs him up.
3. Kyle Walker – Tottenham Hotspur
Walker is perhaps the aptest answer to all of Guardiola’s problems. The English International is desperate to move out of Spurs after a bust-up with the manager earlier this year. And if reports are to believed then, City have already made a couple of unsuccessful bids for the player. Spurs have set a price tag of about £50 million on the right-back and they are refusing to bring down that amount.
Before Alves had signed for PSG, Guardiola was trying to negotiate a mutual price for Walker. But now it just doesn’t seem to be an option. If City wish to buy Walker then they will have to pay whatever Spurs demand. And it won’t be surprising if the London club increased the asking price for 27-year-old.
