Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Mourinho scheming to scupper old rival Guardiola in Man City position of need

Jonas Hoffman and Denis Zakaria celebrate for Borussia Monchengladbach

Jose Mourinho could put one over on old rival Pep Guardiola with Roma poised to battle Manchester City over the signing of a Bundesliga ace, claims a report.

There are very few areas of Manchester City’s squad that aren’t stacked full of top class talent. However, with Fernandinho now 36, Rodri could soon be Guardiola’s sole elite option at holding midfielder.

As such, Caught Offside (citing Calciomercato) reveal City are mulling a move for Denis Zakaria.

The Monchengladbach and Switzerland midfielder, 24, has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Per the article, Zakaria possesses many of the attributes Guardiola demands of his charges.

Described as ‘industrious’ and a tireless worker, Zakaria excels at robbing his opponents of possession and ensuring his side are able to transition quickly from defence to atack.

That meshes well with what Guardiola seeks. Indeed, even the likes of attacking stars Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne have become known for huge contributions in the defensive side of the game in recent years.

Zakaria’s current contract expires in the summer of 2022. If a new deal isn’t signed, he could be available for a cut-price fee in January, or as a free agent next year.

However, the report indicates Guardiola won’t have things all his own way regarding Zakaria.

After missing out on Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, Mourinho is ‘expected’ to pursue a move.

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Whether Zakaria would choose Mourinho’s struggling Roma over the English champions remains up for debate. One factor in Mourinho’s favour,. however, could stem from the lure of more regular game-time.

Displacing Rodri in the Man City starting eleven would be no easy task, even for Zakaria.


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Man City rivalling Bayern on two transfer fronts

Meanwhile, Manchester City are ready to rival Pep Guardiola’s former club Bayern Munich for two transfer targets, according to reports.

Reports from Calciomercato indicate they share an interest in two targets. The first write-up covered their interest in Frenkie De Jong, of another of Guardiola’s former clubs – Barcelona.

The Dutch midfielder – who bears no relation to former City midfielder Nigel De Jong – has earned admirers at the Etihad Stadium and Allianz Arena as a result of his performances.

De Jong would be an exciting addition and at the age of 24 could help City for years to come. It would be hard to prise him away from Barcelona, though, due to his contract lasting until 2026.

Another player to have caught the attention of both City and Bayern is Antony, who currently plays for De Jong’s former club, Ajax.

Another report from the same outlet has revealed that Bayern and City are keeping tabs on the Brazilian winger. In addition, there is also interest from Monaco.

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