Five clubs across Italy and Spain hold interest in signing Manchester City defender this summer

Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte is subject to transfer interest from across Italy and Spain, with up to five clubs currently interested in signing the centre-back this summer.

The 28 year-old, who signed for Manchester City for £57 million from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018, has won four Premier League titles across five previous seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

Laporte switched international allegiance from France to Spain in 2021 and has made just 13 starts for City so far this season, despite playing an integral role in the Blues’ title success last year.

The Spain international has been linked with a possible move away from City in the past, with growing talk of a possible departure from the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current season.

La Liga giants Barcelona have been linked with the defender, while three Serie A sides are also reportedly interested in the centre-back.

A possible return to former club Athletic Bilbao in Spain is also claimed to be on the cards.

The outlet claim, as relayed by Juvefc, that Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan are all exploring the possibility of signing the 28 year-old, who is set to ‘part ways’ with the reigning Premier League champions this summer.

Barcelona also hold an interest in the central defender however according to Sport, a transfer to the Camp Nou is ‘unlikely’ as result of the players high wages.

The report, which has been relayed by Sport Witness, claims that a loan with the option to buy would be the only way that the Catalan club could sign Laporte during the summer transfer window, as a result of the La Liga sides ongoing financial woes.

Pep Guardiola currently has five senior centre-backs in his squad, with competition rife between Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Laporte.

The Blues have also been linked with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who scored the equaliser against City in the UEFA Champions League last month.

City are reported to be ‘leading the pursuit’ of the 21 year-old Croatian, though face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for the defenders signature.