Pep Guardiola set to battle Barcelona for Italian defender

Table toppers Manchester City lock horns with Spanish giants Barcelona to add Leonardo Bonnucci to their ranks.

Bonucci occupied the spotlight whole of last summer, with his name being linked to moves away from Italy after a fallout with the Turin club’s coach Massimilano Allegri.

The Citizens were after the 30-year old during the summer but failed to land the player as they saw a 50 million bid rejected by Juventus. The defender ended up at Milan for a fee of 42 million.

His start at the Rossoneri hasn’t been the best, with the club sitting at 8^th, winning just 7 games as the season reaches its midpoint.

Barcelona, a possible destination for the Italian:

Website Calciomercato has a story about the situation today, saying that both Barcelona and Manchester City could be possible destinations for the player in the January market.

Guardiola is now keen on making a move for him yet again, as he had indicated the unreliable availability of Kompany seems to be the only dark spot on a flawless Manchester City this season.

On the other hand, Spanish giants Barcelona are also now interested in signing the stellar centre-back. With 33-year old Mascherano set to depart during the summer, the Blaugrana are looking for an experienced defender.

The club and the player would analyze any bid that comes, but Milan certainly won’t accept any loss after spending €42m to take him from the current Serie A champions.

The Contender’s Perspective:

Both Barcelona and Manchester City are sitting at the top of their respective leagues on a cushion of points. Such an experienced defender will go a long way with the club, be it an injury crisis on City’s side or a void left to fill at Barca’s.

If they manage to attract him out of Milan, either destination seems a perfect fit. And that may as well end in the Champions League Trophy landing at their home.