Manchester United could launch a keystone in Manchester City’s plans as Manchester City recently decided to sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Aké for the price of an offer of £ 41 million. The Red Devils are weighing by launching a late offer to match, as they are on the market for a left center back, according to The Express’s Mikael McKenzie.
Even with the Aké deal on the line, City has not stopped its rampant search for transfers, as they are still looking at Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Bournemouth eagerly tries to sell Aké, considering that his contract does not provide for a wage reduction if the club is demoted. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was surprised to say to Aké “We need a left back, so keep going” after the Red Devils beat Bournemouth 5-2 at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer denied such comments when questioned at a press conference:
“I have seven central defenders, so I don’t know where it came from,” he said. “We’re fine.”
While a recent report by The Athletic points out that Aké would prefer to move to the Etihad stadium because he wants to make contact with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, United could try to ruin the party. The city recently reached its main goal of the summer in the Valencia wing of Ferran Torres, obtaining the transfer for a price well below its market value.
Guardiola was skeptical of Koulibaly after a recent disappointment two years ago when City seemed ready to disembark Jorginho from Naples. Chelsea ruined the potential signing when they made a last minute offer, while Jorginho chose his old manager Maurizio Sarri over Guardiola’s Cityzens.
Manchester United could try to sweep the carpet from under rival Manchester City and pick up a quality Dutch defender in Aké who could be in the Champions League next season under the right direction. The club, however, has a laser eye on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jadon Sancho as the main target this summer, an agreement that could cost as much as £ 100 million once finalized.
