Milan Skriniar (Getty Images)
According to The Times, Manchester City have identified Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar as one of the defensive targets in the summer.
The Slovakian international, 25, has established himself as one of the finest defenders in Europe, thanks to his performances for Inter Milan over the last two seasons. He is a key reason why the Nerazzurri have the second-best defensive record in the Serie A, conceding only 22 goals in 24 games. The centre-back has played 23 games in Serie A so far this season.
With Milan Skriniar impressing in Inter colours for the last two seasons, Manchester City must definitely make a move for him this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are expected to relinquish the Premier League title at the end of the season with champions-elect Liverpool extending their lead to 22 points last weekend by beating basement club Norwich City 1-0. The Cityzens have endured an underwhelming campaign, with Guardiola’s men leaking goals at an alarming rate.
City failed to sign a replacement for Vincent Kompany in the summer and then had to deal with the absence of Aymeric Laporte for the best part of five months this season due to a knee ligament injury. The Frenchman recently returned to the team and would hope to stay fit until the end of the season.
John Stones has struggled with form and injury problems, finding himself in and out of the team. In the absence of the preferred central defenders. Guardiola has had to do with Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho as the centre-back pairing. The Spanish manager has also used Rodri as a centre-back and has given chances to academy player Eric Garcia, but it has not stopped City from conceding goals.
To put things into perspective, Guardiola must prioritise signing a replacement for his former skipper Kompany in the summer. To that end, Milan Skriniar would be a smart fit at the Etihad Stadium.
Skrniar has been an integral player for Inter Milan since joining them from Sampdoria in 2017, scoring four goals and three assists in 116 appearances across all competitions so far. He has also represented Slovakia 31 times, meaning the centre-back has decent international pedigree as well.
The Slovakian is 25 and entering the prime stages of his career, so this might be a great opportunity to test himself in the Premier League. The former Sampdoria man has shown his ability to perform at the highest level in Europe and would be a fantastic addition to City’s squad if they manage to acquire his services in the summer.
City must definitely reinforce their backline ahead of next season and an experienced defender like Skriniar would be a useful signing and would add depth to Guardiola’s squad.
