Manchester City seem to be keen on signing Athletico Parananense full-back Abner Vinicius after Pep Guardiola reportedly sent a team of scouts to watch the 21-year-old, as per Spanish outlet Marca.
The left-back position has always been the Achilles heel for Pep Guardiola ever since he arrived at the Etihad. In the Spaniard’s five and half year tenure he has never had a player featuring in the starting XI consistently on the left defensive flank. The Cityzens seem to have finally identified a long-term solution in the promising Brazilian talent.
Abner, 21, has been described as ‘one of the most interesting young Brazilians’ as reported by the source with the Parananense left-back rated highly even in Italy, considering the defending Serie A champions Inter Milan were previously linked with Vinicius.
The 21-year-old was a part of the Selecaos squad that won Olympic gold at the Tokyo Olympics. He was also a key figure in Paranaense’s win in the Copa Sudamericana last year. However, the Brazilian club aim to ‘protect the player’ by trying to extend his contract beyond 2024 and increase his release clause, which is currently set at €25 million claims the source.
Manchester City have been head and shoulders above the rest this season looking on course for a second title on the bounce. The Skyblues are currently leading the table with 57 points from 23 league fixtures, 9 points and 10 points ahead of 2nd placed Liverpool and 3rd placed Chelsea respectively.
The defending champions have been quite clear in their approach regarding the full-back positions with the Portuguese left-back Joao Cancelo, who has been the best full-back in Premier League set to permanently occupy the right-back with Kyle Walker becoming injury-prone off late.
The Premier League could be the perfect destination for Abner to showcase his talent. Under Pep Guardiola, the 21-year-old can flourish to new heights, but will he be able to cope with the pressure if he does potentially arrive at the Etihad which is currently looking unlikely given the Athletico Paranaense’s stance on the Brazilian full-back.
Will Abner Vinicius finally solve the left-back issue for Pep Guardiola?
Let us know.