Milan Skriniar (Getty Images)
As per Calciomercato (h/t The Express), Manchester City are set to approach Inter Milan for defender Milan Skriniar when the transfer window opens.
Skriniar, 25, came through the ranks of MSK Zilina’s youth system in his homeland and was traded to Sampdoria in January 2016 after making 83 appearances for the Slovakian outfit. In his one and half seasons with the Italian, he impressed and earned a move to Inter Milan in the summer of 2017.
Since joining the Italian giants, Skriniar has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A and has featured regularly for them. His impressive performances have also caught the attention of Real Madrid and Barcelona, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side have faced several issues this season with their defensive unit underperforming. Whereas, the attacking unit has been brilliant throughout the campaign, scoring 68 goals in the league so far.
Speaking of their defence, City have already let in 31 goals, which is poor according to their standards. Last season, they dominated in every area, shipping in just 23 goals in 38 league games. The departure of Vincent Kompany last summer left City without a leader at the back.
Aymeric Laporte was supposed to take charge in the heart of the defence but the Frenchman fell victim to injury. He has missed the best part of the 2019/20 campaign. John Stones lost his place in the starting XI due to inconsistencies and injury issues of his own. This left the team with only one established centre-back in Nicolas Otamendi.
As a result, Guardiola was forced to turn to defensive midfielder Fernandinho, shifting him to the new role. Though the Brazilian did his best, City lacked stability at the back. That alone let them down in their title defence as they are 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Thus, the manager of should bring in reinforcements to their backline if they have to do better. And, Inter Milan centre-back Skriniar would be a perfect fit to the squad.
Skriniar has featured in all but one league game this term. He has proved his worth at the top level for a number of years now. And adding someone of his ilk would be a huge boost for City.
The Slovakian has already made over 250 career appearances and his experience would be helpful for the squad. Should he carry his excellent form from the past couple of years, he would form a strong partnership with Laporte at the heart of City’s defence.
At 25, the former Sampdoria man has a lot to offer at a higher level. And, City should make a move for him as they are in dire need of a centre-back. He would provide them with the much-needed depth in a position that has been problematic this season.
