From Italy: Manchester City hold transfer talks with Juventus over possible midfield signing in January

Manchester City have reportedly held transfer talks with one of Juventus’ chief officials over the possibility of recruiting from the Turin club in January.

The Premier League champions remain in a battle over reviving their cross-competition form, as they head into their next top-flight encounter on a run of six matches without a win, and five defeats in a row preceding a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord this week.

The UEFA Champions League encounter with the Eredivisie champions was arguably the worst result of the run so far, having led the game by a three-goal advantage in the 75th minute, only to concede three in succession and come away with a single point.

That result has raised further questions about Manchester City’s ability to perform in the absence of Rodri in their defensive midfield, and with Mateo Kovacic now out injured too, the demand for midfield recruitment in the winter transfer window has only increased.

And in a particular coincidence this week, Etihad Stadium officials have reportedly held talks with Juventus as the Italian club look to offload two of their midfielders in an attempt to reinvest such funds elsewhere in their squad.

According to the information of Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli held transfer talks with both Manchester City and Manchester United this week in the north-west.

It is claimed that the Turin club want to sell Nicolò Fagioli and Douglas Luiz to the two Premier League clubs, with their idea being to raise funds to then sign both a defender and a striker in the upcoming January window.

The 23-year-old Italian midfielder is valued by Juventus at between €20 million and €25 million, while former Manchester City talent Luiz is said to be holding a €50 million valuation at the Turin club having only signed from Aston Villa last summer but since failing to impress.

Manchester City are known to be in the process of developing a transfer shortlist ahead of the winter market, and have placed a number of candidates on an ever-growing list of profiles from across the European game.

A new report this week has suggested that Crystal Palace and England international Adam Wharton is among the names being considered by Manchester City, as well as Rodri’s fellow Spain international, Martin Zubimendi.

Either player is likely to command a significant transfer fee, should they even be available for transfer discussions in the middle of the season, and it remains to be seen just how much Manchester City will have available to invest in a singular name.