Man City add Serie A star shown door by Man Utd to £200m wishlist

Romelu Lukaku Ashley Young Inter Milan

Manchester City could make a shock move for former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.

Lukaku spent two seasons playing for United, scoring 42 goals in 96 games. However, the club eventually decided he was not the player they wanted to lead them forward.

That decision could be questioned, with Lukaku since proving his worth in Italy with Inter Milan. He scored 34 goals from 51 games for Inter last season and already has 17 from 22 this term.

The Belgium international has shown himself to be one of the best strikers in the world and his form could earn him a return to the Premier League.

Lukaku had spent the bulk of his career playing in England before joining Inter, with spells at Chelsea, West Brom and Everton, as well as United.

Now, another Premier League club has him on their radar. According to The Telegraph, Lukaku is on Manchester City’s transfer shortlist.

City are looking for a long-term solution up front, as Sergio Aguero is in the final few months of his contract. It is not yet clear if their all-time record goalscorer will extend his stay.

Even if he does stay, City need to start thinking about a long-term successor. They could turn to a former rival to do so.

 

The Telegraph claim that Pep Guardiola will be given a budget of £200m to spend on transfers in the summer. Signing a new striker will be a priority.

There are three names on his shortlist. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Inter’s Lukaku are all in consideration.

A return to the Premier League would be a surprising move for Lukaku, who is under contract in Italy until 2024 and seems to have found a home at Inter.

However, City may try to tempt him to head back to England and cross the Manchester divide.

Two more positions prioritised

City are also looking to reinforce at left-back and defensive midfield in the summer, the report claims.

Like Aguero, defensive midfielder Fernandinho is in the last few months of his contract and City could be looking at longer-term options.

For example, they have been linked with another Serie A player – Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli.


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Left-back is also an area of concern, with Benjamin Mendy struggling with fitness issues since his arrival at the club.

Guardiola has had to use some players out of position to cover in that area, so may be looking for a more natural alternative.

READ MORE: Guardiola starting to concede defeat in efforts to keep star at Man City