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Manchester City to compete with PL rivals for in-demand star

By Nikhil Venkat Sai

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Ryan Bertrand, Jack Stephens and Danny Ings of Southampton show their disappointment during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on February 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Ryan Bertrand, Jack Stephens and Danny Ings of Southampton show their disappointment during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on February 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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The position of left-back for most of Manchester City’s campaign has been the one that was subjected to constant shuffling. Joao Cancelo however, adjusted very quickly to the demands of the role and became an undisputed starter in the City XI.

Cancelo is not a natural left-back, however.

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Benjamin Mendy was the one expected to make the position his own but constant injuries, illness, and poor form have meant that the French International has mainly warmed the bench. Oleksandr Zinchenko was given the chance to move away from the club at the start of the season but the Ukrainian stayed and fought for his place in the XI. The 24-year-old is now likely to start in the UEFA Champions League final.

City have been speculated to enter the market for mainly a striker and a left-back. It is understood by Goal that Manchester City are monitoring the situation of Ryan Bertrand who is expected to walk out as a free agent this summer after failing to reach an agreement with The Saints.

Bertrand is an experienced left-back and could prove to be a reliable backup for Pep Guardiola. For now, Zinchenko is the undisputed starter at the left defensive flank.

One thing is clear though. The 31-year-old is unlikely to get a regular flow of game-time if he does decide to join the Premier League champions due to the depth in the squad.

Arsenal is also said to be interested in signing the left-back as they currently have only one specialist left-back in Kieran Tierney. Bertrand could be a welcome addition at the Emirates Stadium.

For now, however, the Sky Blues look settled. Cancelo can fill in for Zinchenko if he is injured and Walker could play as the right-back.

Next. Manchester City are lining up a bid for the long-term replacement of Fernandinho. dark

The priority for the Cityzens this summer should be to land a premier striker as the club’s record goal-scorer and legend in Sergio Aguero is all set to bid goodbye to the Premier League champions after a decade.

Gabriel Jesus hasn’t proven his worth in the big games.

The Cityzens have been heavily linked with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in the recent past.

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