Reports: Manchester City eyeing a move for FC Barcelona's prime target

Manchester City are willing to bolster Guardiola's lineup for next season.
Manchester City are willing to bolster Guardiola's lineup for next season.

What's the story?

According to the English media outlet, DailyMail, Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Frankfurt sharpshooter Luka Jovic with a view to strengthening their attacking ranks at the end of the season.

In case you didn't know..

The 21-year-old Serbian striker is currently into the final six months of his loan deal with Frankfurt from Benfica with an option to buy. The striker has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season as he currently ranks first amongst the top scorers of the first tier German football.

With 15 goals and 5 assists registered to his name, Jovic is the current top-scorer in the Bundesliga ahead of the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, and Timo Werner.

Apart from his staggering numbers in the Bundesliga, the Serbian has also performed well at the European level. Jovic has carried Frankfurt to the Europa League round of 16 and has scored six goals in the process. Frankfurt will be facing Serie A outfit Inter Milan in the knockout stage where Jovic might prove to be the tie decider.

The heart of the matter

As FC Barcelona are already in pursuit of a long-term replacement for Uruguayan forward, Luis Suarez, who is approaching towards the latter stages of his career, the Frankfurt man has been under their radar from quite a while.

On the other hand, injuries have occasionally left the Premier League champions short this season. Pep Guardiola has Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus battling to lead the line for the Citizens.

The Serbian, predominately a striker, can also play as a number 10. Pep Guardiola's main areas for bolstering remain in the central midfield and a left back. The EPL champions have been keeping close tabs on the Serbian and have been watching his every game from the past couple of months, the report suggests.

What's next?

While Frankfurt intends to trigger the buying clause in the loan deal and then sell the centre-forward to another club, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are keeping an eagle's eye at the situation.

A move to the Etihad ensures that the 21-year-old has to fight the ranks to make a place in Guardiola's lineup. However, a move to either of the Spanish giants, Real Madrid or FC Barcelona, would give him an opportunity to propel his career to new heights as the eternal rivals are in pursuit of top-notch strikers, next summer.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now