“Flattered, yes” – Juventus defender confirms Manchester City transfer interest | OneFootball

Manchester City transfer interest in one of Serie A’s most highly-rated full-back talents has now been confirmed by the player himself this week.

The reigning Premier League giants are likely to continue monitoring options in the right-back position as Pep Guardiola and sporting director Hugo Viana assess how best to reshape the defensive unit for the long term beyond the ongoing season.

Following Kyle Walker’s permanent move to Burnley after his loan spell at AC Milan, and with Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis, and Abdukodir Khusanov serving as short-term cover, City have left the door open to adding a new specialist option in upcoming transfer windows.

Andrea Cambiaso has been among those admired by the Etihad Stadium hierarchy for some time, with the Italian international’s versatility, technical precision, and tactical discipline making him an attractive fit for Pep Guardiola’s possession-based structure.

The Juventus star has developed into one of Serie A’s most reliable full-backs, capable of playing on either flank or as an inverted defender – traits that Manchester City’s recruitment team have prioritised when scouting potential additions.

Earlier this year, reports first linked City with a tentative approach for Cambiaso as part of their wider defensive review in January. The club ultimately chose not to act, instead focusing on central defensive targets.

Now, speaking during a new interview with Gazzetta dello Sport – as translated and relayed by Get Italian Football News – Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso has confirmed transfer interest from Manchester City.

“Was I close to packing my bags for Manchester, home of City? There was interest last January, nothing more,” said Cambiaso.

He continued, “I was not close to saying goodbye to Juventus, I made no proclamations in this regard, on the contrary. Flattered, yes, other stories no.”

While the 25-year-old insists he remains committed to Juventus, the admission adds weight to reports that City continue to explore external solutions to right-back. Pep Guardiola recently reiterated that Abdukodir Khusanov cannot be relied upon to start every game given the intensity of the schedule, while Rico Lewis is primarily a rotational option.

Looking ahead, City are expected to keep the right-back position under close review heading into 2026. Whether Cambiaso re-emerges as a target could depend on Juventus’ stance and the player’s willingness on a move. Feyenoord’s Givairo Read has been tentatively mentioned in other reports, meanwhile.