Man City to battle Chelsea for ‘departing’ Juve full-back – report

Zach Holland
Stephan Lichtsteiner: Man City enter race to sign full-back

Manchester City are interested in signing Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner but will have to fight off interest from other clubs, according to reports in the Italian media.

There has been speculation regarding the 32-year-old’s future recently and according to Italian transfer expert Emanuele Giulianelli via the Daily Star, the Swiss international had told new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte that he was up for a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Calcio Mercato claim that City manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the right-back and will do his best to bring the player to the Etihad Stadium over the summer.

The reports also claim that Lichsteiner has been annoyed at the Juventus’ signing of Dani Alves from Barcelona, who may end up a playing a key role for the Bionconeri.

The Italian clubs signing of Alves could also be reason behind a recent post made Lichsteiner on twitter and may give an indication of a goodbye to the Serie A outfit.

The report goes on to add that Juventus are still hoping to keep a hold of Lichsteiner as still see him as a key part of the team for the new season but are willing to listen to offers of over £6 million so they can make a profit on the experienced defender.

A replacement maybe on the cards for the Old Lady as well as Gazzetta Dello Sport report that Genoa’s Cristian Ansaldi is Juventus’s main target as a replacment for Lichtseiner and Genoa maybe willing to sell him for £4 million.

The Swiss man joined Juventus back in 2011 and has made 144 appearances and scored 14 goals for the Italian Champs. He has also enjoyed a fruitful time whilst at the club and has won five Italian league titles in a row along with three Italian Cups.