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What's the rumour?
Manchester City have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund defensive midfielder, Julian Weigl, and according to reports by The Sun, the price tag has been set at £40 million. The German has a contract with Dortmund until 2021.
In case you didn't know...
Weigl signed for Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2015 aged just 20. Since his inclusion in the squad, the midfielder has put in impressive performances for Die Schwarzgelben. It was only a matter amount of time before the midfielder settled at his new club. His remarkable performances earned him a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
Prior to joining his new club, he played for 1860 Munich and made his debut for the first team as a teenager. He was awarded the captaincy at his former club at just 18 years of age.
The heart of the matter
The midfielder has been one of the most consistent players at Borussia Dortmund. He has been exceptional since becoming a regular first-team player. He has shown tremendous maturity and overall progress as a footballer. His impressive debut season meant he was named in the German Euro 2016 squad.
He has been one of the key elements of BVB's success. He has shown his versatility of playing both in the centre of midfield as well as staying back in a holding and defensive-minded role. His strengths are his passing, concentration and composure.
This season, the former 1860 Munich youth product averages 2.8 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per game. He isn't afraid of making challenges and putting his body on the line as he averages 1.5 fouls per game.
Rumour probability/rating: 8/10
Borussia Dortmund have been made aware of Man City's interest and have set their intentions demanding £40 million. Apart from Ilkay Gundogan, City do not have enough depth and resources for the central midfield role in the first team who can go straight into the starting lineup in case of an injury.
Pep Guardiola is looking to replace Yaya Toure, who is set to leave at the expiry of his contract and has eyed Weigl as a long-term replacement for veteran midfielder Fernandinho. The price tag is within reach if you consider the financial power of the Citizens.
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Author's take
Guardiola is keen on reinforcing his midfield and Julian Weigl could be the perfect long-term investment for the Sky Blues. He is a ball-playing midfielder and also has the physique required for the style of play in England.
He can adapt to the role of becoming a defensive brick wall in front of the back four. He possesses the qualities and attributes for a Premier League central midfielder and has the ability to distribute the play with his accurate passing.
