Man City’s priority signing this summer remains a centre-back – ESPN

A recent report from a reliable news outlet has provided some insight into Manchester City’s transfer priorities for the upcoming window.

Man City’s defensive woes

The 2019/20 campaign has been rather disappointing for the Citizens in terms of their results in the Premier League.

As we edge closer to the restart of top-flight English football, City sit a staggering 25 points behind soon-to-be champions, Liverpool.

Of course, one issue can’t solely be blamed for Man City falling off so much in the league this term, and Liverpool must be given credit where credit is due for their sensational campaign.

But it’s hard to argue that the Sky Blues wouldn’t have stood a better chance of defending their crown if their backline was more consistent.

Pep Guardiola and co. opted not to replace Vincent Kompany in the summer. And whilst this seemed like a slightly odd move at the time, Aymeric Laporte had impressed since joining the Manchester powerhouse and it did look as though the Frenchman could become City’s new Kompany-like figure for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately for Man City, Laporte suffered an injury in late August, which sidelined him until January of 2020.

And during Laporte’s absence, City’s defence had looked rather shaky.

John Stones and Nicola Otamendi simply cannot be relied upon as a partnership, with Pep often opting to start an out of position Fernandinho alongside one of the above in the centre of defence.

Manchester City’s Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Ukrainian forward Junior Moraes vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City FC at the OSK Metalist stadium in Kharkiv on September 18, 2019. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo credit should read SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images)

City eyeing a centre-back

The Manchester powerhouse’s struggles at the back this term are also evident in the stats.

During the 2018/19 campaign, title-winning City conceded just 23 goals in 38 outings.

However, with Man City still having 10 league ties to see out this season, they have already let in 31.

As a result, it is fairly clear some reinforcements at the back must be forthcoming in the near future.

And as mentioned above, ESPN have recently provided some insight into City’s transfer plans.

As per the report, City’s priority in the next window remains bringing in a new centre-half. This is despite the fact Man City are said to be monitoring Chelsea’s pursuit of Leicester left-back, Ben Chilwell.

In terms of a potential name City are targeting for the centre-back spot, ESPN claim that Villarreal defender Pau Torres, 23, is one of the names in the frame.

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