Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been dealt an early blow ahead of the summer transfer window with top midfield target Tanguy Ndombele closing in on a move to Juventus, claims The Sun.
Guardiola finally wants to sign Fernandinho’s long-term replacement at the end of the season after missing out on Fred and Jorginho to Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively, in the last 12 months.
Fernandinho has not shown any real signs of deterioration over the course of the season but the Brazil international turns 34 in a few weeks and finding his successor is a top priority for the defending Premier League champions.
City have been linked with a whole host of central midfielders in their pursuit of Fernandinho’s successor, including West Ham starlet Declan Rice, who is also a transfer target for United.
Lyon ace Ndombele is another on City’s radar but Guardiola faces missing out on the 22-year-old, with Juventus poised to land the Frenchman at the end of the season.
Juventus have made bolstering their midfield options a top priority this summer after crashing out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
The Old Lady will sign Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a free transfer this summer and are now closing in on Ndombele’s signature in a deal worth a reported £60m.
Of the 58 players to have attempted at least 100 dribbles in Ligue 1 since the beginning of last season, Ndombele has the best success rate (75.7%).
