An Italian international may be the solution to Manchester City’s midfield issues | OneFootball

Manchester City appear set for a busy January transfer window. It would appear, based on the age of City’s midfielders and the injury suffered by Rodri, that this would be the first need that City will address in the transfer market. The January transfer window is typically a tough market to navigate but could an Italian international be the solution to Manchester City’s midfield issues?

A report from Shamanth Jayaram for TBR Football that Manchester City and Liverpool have an interest in signing Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci. Furthermore, Jayaram reports that Ricci is viewed by both clubs as an alternative to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international is reportedly a target for both teams. Jayaram further reports that Torino has reportedly placed a £29 million price on the Italian international.

Manchester City need a midfielder or two in January. That is an obvious need. For Pep Guardiola’s side to challenge for the top four and compete for the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League they desperately need reinforcements. But finding them in January is no easy task. A player like Samuele Ricci may be the ideal target for Manchester City.

Based on Jayaram’s report Ricci wouldn’t prove to be an expensive signing. A transfer fee of £29 million for a player like Ricci would represent a bargain in today’s transfer market. Ricci has excelled in midfield for Torino this season. Playing as a deep-lying playmaker for Torino, he does look to be a player who could fit into Pep Guardiola’s midfield. He has also shown for his country that he could make the step up from Torino. Ricci is also young with his best football ahead of him. That makes him a tantalising prospect.

Based on all of that Ricci could be a player Manchester City target next month. He is in the right age bracket, has the talent and would immediately add to City’s midfield. If they do pursue a move for the Italian international it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.