Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy and his potential arrival at the Etihad could see Pep Guardiola ditch summer signing, Sergio Gomez.
According to reports from Spain, City and PSG are both keen on signing the former Lyon man in a deal that could be worth €50m (£44m), as he is yet to agree to a new contract with Los Blancos, despite establishing himself as the first-choice at the Santiago Bernabeu following the departure of the legendary Marcelo.
Since making the move to the Spanish giants in 2019, the France international has gone on to make 126 appearances for Madrid, contributing five goals and 10 assists, helping them to two La Liga titles and one Champions League title.
This season has seen the 27-year-old manage no goals and one assist in 13 league appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, averaging a solid, if unspectacular, 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
However, the same website suggests that he excels at passing, dribbling and holding onto the ball, all of which make him a good fit for Guardiola’s possession-based style of play.
The Spanish manager brought in Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht in the summer and he has sadly proven to be a disappointing addition, making just five substitute appearances in the Premier League thus far.
He has also produced memorably poor displays against Copenhagen and Southampton in the Champions League and League Cup respectively, being sent off in the former and being hooked at half-time in the latter after gifting the Saints the opener from a shocking pass.
It would be a ruthless decision to sell the 22-year-old after just half a season with the Citizens but his lack of appearances and form thus far suggests that he may not last long at the Etihad if things don’t improve.
In Mendy, City would be landing a left-back upgrade with far more quality and experience at the top level, which Guardiola could need if he wants to end his disappointing run in the Champions League with the Citizens, with the Premier League potentially already out of reach after their derby defeat last weekend.
Manchester United star Raphael Varane was once full of praise for his international teammate during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying:
“The physical strength he has is incredible. He is adapting very well and allows us to put together great efforts in matches. His forte is defence but he helps us a lot in all facets of the game.”
There is no doubt that left-back has been a problem area for Guardiola this season and it seems clear that if Mendy were to arrive this month, Gomez’s future at the club would be in serious doubt.
