Manchester City looking to replace one of Pep’s mainstays with a struggling star

Manchester City are expected to make at least one signing this coming winter window as the Cityzens had a very underwhelming summer window. The Cityzens were in a dire need of a striker after the club legend Sergio Aguero left the club on a Bosman. With Aguero’s departure, it became clear that the Cityzens now lacked a proper number nine and thus it became the need of the hour.

Having said that, the defending Premier League champions were heavily linked with Harry Kane but Tottenham Hotspur’s firm stance of not wanting to let their main man leave meant that City would walk out of the summer window with only one signing in Jack Grealish.

Sergi Roberto is one prominent name that was constantly linked with a move to Manchester City and that is largely because it is understood that Pep Guardiola is an ardent admirer of the Barcelona full-back.

Under Ernesto Valverde, Roberto established himself as one of the vital cogs in his manager’s system but under Ronald Koeman, the Spaniard has struggled massively, raising questions over his future.

Roberto’s current contract runs out at the end of this season and while Barcelona have tried to get him to renew for two more years, the talks seemed to have hit a dead-end as the player is not too keen on taking a significant pay-cut to help the club in its ongoing financial crisis. Having said that, talks between the two parties have died down and there has been no indication whatsoever that they will resume at any point in time.

Come January 1, Roberto will be free to agree on a pre-contract agreement with any club that might approach him, and City are said to be one of the clubs that could look to sign him, as per Todofichajes. 

The Cityzens have also been tipped to buy him this winter but it is unlikely to happen as the 29-year-old hasn’t really hit the ground running this season and is likely to be dropped from Xavi’s XI.

The source also understands that the likes of Atleti and Inter Milan are also said to be interested in exploring the idea of signing Roberto but it remains to be seen how concrete City’s interest is in the waning 29-year-old.