Juventus have been searching for a replacement in their midfield ever since the £89m sale of Paul Pogba to Manchester United in the summer.
Targets have included Blaise Matuidi and Axel Witsel, but nowCalciomercatobelieve thatthe Old Lady have identified a Premier League star for their reinforcement: Fernandinho.
Pep happy with @pablo_zabaleta playing @fernandinho role when needed #mcfc #foxesvcityhttps://t.co/sdWNp5L9lU
The Brazilian defensive midfielder has been a crucial anchorman for Manchester City, and his recent three-game ban after a red card against Chelsea last Saturday leaves the Blues struggling to replace his reading of the game.
On the other hand, Fernandinho's contract runs out in the summer. At 31 years of age, he is heading towards his twilight years, and Juventus may look to swoop in January for a reduced price.
City need to make sure Fernandinho signs a contract extension sharpish if they want to keep him at the Etihad.
The midfielder was involved in a pitch-side brawl during their 'El Cashico' loss, putting a hand on Cesc Fabregas's throat and shoving him over an advertising board to earn a red. Sergio Aguero had already been sent off for a horrific challenge on David Luiz and banned for four games.
#PepGuardiola issues warning to #ManCity over Aguero and Fernandinho bans https://t.co/kl5hqIQMOj pic.twitter.com/ZKCw8WlaqW
Manchester City's season is likely to depend on how they deal without two of their star men for the next month, as they are yet to face Arsenal or Liverpool in the first half of the season.
Their results against the other two title contenders do not make for pleasant reading- a 2-0 lossto Spurs and a 3-1 loss to Chelsea- so they need to find their feet on the big stage.