Three players Manchester City can sign instead of Real Madrid star Isco
Manchester City have close to the perfect team, something that has taken Pep Guardiola a mere two years to build. However, Guardiola is looking to add something more to his side and the Mirror has revealed that that player is Real Madrid star Isco. The Spaniard hasn’t been in Santiago Solari’s team-sheet with Goal.com revealing that the 26-year-old and the new Los Blancos boss are on the outs.
A highly talented midfielder, Isco’s eye for goal and his ability to find a team-mate makes him useful but it’s his versatility to play across the front line that makes him an excellent choice. However, with Real Madrid asking the Citizens to pay around a €100million according to the Mirror, there are a few other options for Pep Guardiola.
#3 Thiago Alcantara
A La Masia youth product, Thiago made the smart move and left Barcelona for the greener pastures of the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich. Since then, he’s become an elite midfielder and one of Spain’s best, with Barcelona (via Sport) and even Real Madrid (via Sky Sports) interested in a potential move for him.
However, what makes him a great target for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City is the fact that he has played for Guardiola and the former Barcelona boss worked wonders with him. It’s also what makes him the perfect man for the club to sign instead of shelling out Real Madrid’s sky-high asking price for Isco Alarcon.
#2 Houssem Aouar
The 20-year-old has been in incredible form and he’s been attracting interest from all over the Premier League and even the world, according to the Daily Mail. The France U-21 star has been among Lyon’s best stars so far this season, and it’s his versatility that makes him a very valuable asset.
Not only does the Frenchman have an incredible eye for a pass, but his ability to go over and above defensively has also impressed Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard even went on to say recently:
“Houssem Aouar is a very good player, he is incredible. We talk a lot about Ndombele but Aouar is also excellent. He’s always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.”
#1 Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech, 25, is a class act and should be at the top of any shortlist for any manager in the world. However, still at Ajax, the Moroccan international has been in tip-top form for the Eredivisie side, scoring 12 goals and producing a further 9 assists. While he has been in incredible form, Ziyech has made himself known by topping the Eredivisie assist charts in three of their last four seasons, even winning the Player of the Year last season.
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While Ziyech was linked with a move to AS Roma (via Calciomercato) over the summer, the move never materialized. Thus, suffice to say, Manchester City a chance. He would be the perfect man for Pep Guardiola as his attacking prowess, combined with his ability to play as a right-winger or a central midfielder, adds to his value.
