Manchester City has reportedly targeted Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, as they are preparing to make a significant bid to bring the 24-year-old to the Etihad Stadium as early as January. Cambiaso has been pivotal for Juventus under coach Thiago Motta, boasting two goals and one assist across 19 Serie A appearances, having missed only one game due to injury.
Motta, who previously coached Cambiaso at Bologna, appreciates the player’s versatility, which has piqued Pep Guardiola’s interest. According to Sky Sport Italia, Manchester City is set to make an offer hovering between €60 million and €65 million to persuade Juventus to part ways with Cambiaso. This proposal contrasts earlier reports indicating Juventus might accept offers starting from €50 million; now, they may insist on around €80 million, especially due to the necessity to find a replacement quickly.
The negotiations are potentially complicated by interest from Bayern Munich, adding urgency for City to finalize their deal swiftly. City sources revealed to the BBC, though, indicate talks aren't as advanced as Italian reports may suggest, with no guarantees the transfer will solidify this month.
Guardiola is actively searching for an orthodox left-back since the departure of Benjamin Mendy, who departed after serious allegations. The need for depth and versatility has propelled Cambiaso to the top of City’s wishlist. City’s current transfer activity is unusually busy for January, which includes deals for Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
Recent reports have highlighted the readiness of City to accelerate their pursuit of Cambiaso, underscoring their ambition to secure him before the end of the winter transfer window. City is thought to have prepared contract terms to lure Cambiaso, offering him a five-year deal with the option for a sixth.
Despite City’s eagerness, Juventus remains difficult negotiators. The Bianconeri value Cambiaso highly, considering him indispensable and are reluctant to let him go halfway through the season. Cambiaso’s success has made him attractive to several top clubs across Europe, beginning with Real Madrid and now Manchester City.
Reports indicate Cambiaso is also familiar with playing various positions, which adds to his allure. His recent injury struggles may have raised concerns, yet his early performances this season have garnered him admiration from elite clubs.
Juventus's business model aims for sustainability amid financial pressures, making any star potentially available for the right price. With the situation of Kyle Walker, City remains open to reinforcements, pushing for Cambiaso as the ideal candidate to offset any losses.
City’s interest continues to mount, with various negotiators involved and communications between the two clubs strengthening. Sky Sports' Gianluca Di Marzio reported direct meetings have taken place, yet both clubs are positioning themselves strategically, with City unwilling to lean toward Juventus's asking price.
This would not be the first time City explores options for improving their back line, and the club's willingness to ramp up spending indicates their seriousness about competing effectively this season. The heavy investment could reshape not just the roster, but also City’s approach to maintaining their Premier League dominance.
While the current season for City has not matched their typical high standards, this could mark the beginning of changes to reestablish their status as Premier League favorites. Cambiaso's addition might be pivotal for City, serving both immediate and long-term needs within their structure.
Finally, as the January transfer window continues, developments surrounding Cambiaso's potential move to City will remain one to watch closely. Both clubs remain poised, and the football world is bracing for what could be another significant January market deal.