Exclusive: Man City in pole position to beat Liverpool to ‘£40m’ signing
Man City are leading Liverpool in the race to sign Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Liverpool have identified the 25-year-old as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
His age, experience both in the Champions League and for the Italian national team, and versatility to play both at right and left-back have made him a key target.
However, Pep Guardiola‘s side are in the driving seat over the deal as things stand and have been working on the deal behind the scenes since January.
Football Insider revealed in February that Cambiaso is Man City’s first-choice right-back as they aim to replace Kyle Walker ahead of the summer transfer window.
If they fail to qualify for the Champions League, Juventus will be forced to sell players to raise funds and would accept £40-50million for the full-back.
Andrea Cambiaso stance emerges as Man City and Liverpool race
Football Insider revealed in January that Cambiaso is “very keen” to join Man City after they held extensive talks with Juventus over the possibility of a deal.
Eventually, talks broke down as City were not willing to meet the Italian club’s lofty asking price which stood at £75million after a £54.5million bid was rejected.
Juventus’ asking price is now expected to drop, attracting rival interest from Liverpool, but it is unlikely Arne Slot’s side will be able to beat City to the deal.
The Reds’ interest comes as Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract, despite speculation about a potential U-turn.
Pedro Porro update emerges after Kyle Walker exit
Cambiaso is not Man City’s only target to replace Walker this summer, as a new right-back has been on their list of priorities since the January window.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Pedro Porro is on City’s list of targets, although he is one of “four or five” options.
However, City have doubts about his performances under Ange Postecoglou this season and would not be willing to spend a big fee to bring him in.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Man City could struggle to sign Porro as Spurs will demand a lofty asking price of £50million.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.