Manchester City are linked with a move for an Aston Villa defender as suitors emerge for Ake | OneFootball

The evolution of the Manchester City squad is a process that will continue during the January transfer window and next summer. Which positions City look to evolve and strengthen remains to be seen. One position that does look like it could see significant change is the centre-back position. It would not be a surprise to see John Stones or Nathan Ake leave City next summer. In fact, both players could be in the final stages of their Manchester City careers.

It has now been reported that City have held initial talks with Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa. While another report indicates that suitors are emerging to sign Nathan Ake in January. Perhaps City are looking to sign an experienced defender next summer to replace a player such as Nathan Ake who could leave the club either in January or next summer.

Suitors are lining up to sign Nathan Ake as Manchester City hold initial talks with Ezri Konsa.

First of all, Ahad Shaukat has reported for CaughtOffside that Juventus, Inter Milan, and Crystal Palace are prepared to battle it out to sign Nathan Ake in the upcoming January transfer window. Furthermore, Shaukat reports that Manchester City would demand a transfer fee of between €30-35 million to sell Ake in January. Shaukat also reports that Inter and Juventus see Ake as the ideal player to bolster their defence. As per Shaukat’s report, Crystal Palace sees Ake as a player who could replace Marc Guehi if he leaves the club in January, or in preparation for his possible departure at the end of this season. Lastly, Shaukat reports that Manchester City aren’t actively looking to sell Nathan Ake. But they would entertain a reasonable offer if it arrived in January.

Former Aston Villa CEO, Keith Wyness, has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City and the camp of Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa have held initial talks over a summer move to City for Konsa. Furthermore, Wyness reports that Konsa is looking at his options if he does decide to leave Aston Villa next summer. City have seemingly made their move in case that scenario arises next summer.

Ezri Konsa could potentially replace Nathan Ake or John Stones in the City squad.

As mentioned above, it wouldn’t be a shock if Nathan Ake or John Stones did leave City next summer. Looking at Manchester City’s centre-back options they are well stocked with young centre-backs. Vitor Reis, Juma Bah and Abdukodir Khusanov are all talented young centre-backs with the potential to be significant players for the club. But it remains to be seen if they will be ready to take a major step up and be first-team members of Pep Guardiola’s squad next season.

If Manchester City did decide that they wanted to sign another experienced centre-back in the summer, Ezri Konsa could fit the bill. He is 28 years old with a plethora of Premier League and international experience. Konsa is top quality centre-back who has firmly established himself at Aston Villa and in the Premier League. His current contract expires in 2028, and he likely wouldn’t come cheap given his importance to Aston Villa. But as a player he’d be a more than adequate replacement for either Nathan Ake or John Stones.

There could be movement at centre-back for Manchester City in the future. It seems that the possibility of Nathan Ake leaving the club could be in play. It also seems that City made an initial move for Ezri Konsa and it’s a move that makes sense if it is one that City do decide to pursue.