Premier League: 3 centre-backs Manchester City should target before the transfer window closes

#2 Ibrahima Konate (France, RB Leipzig)

The Frenchman could be perfect for Manchester City

The youngster was scintillating for RB Leipzig last season, and has caught the eye with his ability to cope with Bundesliga side’s high intensity attacking system. Ibrahima Konate was a part of the defense that let in just 29 goals all season – the least in the league.

The 20-year-old has all the abilities to thrive in Guardiola’s system, and Manchester City should attempt to lure him to Etihad this summer.

The Frenchman is a typical modern defender, proficient in both attack and defense. Konate’s 6’3” frame helps him dominate in the air, and he is also blessed with lightening speed which helps him deal with the opposition counter-attacks.

Last season opposition strikers rarely got the better of him, as he successfully kept some big names at bay.

Konate loves forward runs and is very capable with the ball at his feet. He loves dribbling too, with a dribble success rate of around 85% last season. Konate also draws fouls in the opposition half due to his nifty footwork, and can be an asset going forward.

Perhaps the only area of improvement is his passing, but at just 20 years of age the Frenchman has time on his side. Besides, Guardiola likes his recruits raw, and prefers to nurture them into world class talents himself.

Konate has the potential to become one of the best in the world and that should convince Guardiola to secure his signature.