According to reports, Manchester City have revived their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach’s defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria.
Pep Guardiola views Denis Zakaria as the ideal replacement for Fernandinho. Fernandinho, now 36 is all set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season after his contract expires.
Zakaria is also in the final year of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach and is will be a free agent next summer. Liverpool, Arsenal and Roma are also scouting the Swiss defensive midfielder.
Manchester City were handed a major boost in the pursuit of Zakaria. Borussia Monchengladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl has recently admitted that ‘Denis and his management would prefer a transfer this summer.’
The Swiss midfielder was initially a box to box midfielder when he moved to Borussia Monchengladbach. But has turned into a roadblock defensive midfielder. He featured in the same role for Switzerland in the Euro 2020.
Zakaria to replace Fernandinho at Manchester City
He would also bring pace to the Manchester City midfield. He clocked an impressive top speed last season with 34.64 km/ph. Alongside that, he averaged an impressive 7.47 recoveries per 90 minutes last season. With stats like that, it’s clear to see why Manchester City view Zakaria as the perfect Fernandinho replacement.
With Zakaria interested in a move away from the German club. It is understood that Borussia Monchengladbach would be open to listening to offerers. And selling the defensive midfielder in the January transfer window. Arsenal were keen on signing Zakaria over the summer. And are again scouting him and they still remain very interested. But Manchester City now seem the clear frontrunner for Zakaria.
He has been at the German club for five years and has made over 130 appearances and scored 11 goals and assisted 8 in the process.
Follow us on Twitter for regular football updates.
