Manchester City Planning Huge Bid for £60M Juventus Defender – Pep Guardiola Wants Him Badly, and the Club’s Ready to Pay Up!
As Manchester City prepare for a crucial summer transfer window, the direction they take in reshaping their squad could significantly influence their success over the next few years. With some key players approaching the twilight of their time at the Etihad, City face a period of transition — one that will test their recruitment strategy and planning for life after their current golden generation.
Historically, Manchester City have rarely put a foot wrong in the transfer market. Under the leadership of director of football Txiki Begiristain and manager Pep Guardiola, the club has shown a consistent ability to identify, recruit, and develop elite-level talent that fits seamlessly into Guardiola’s tactical philosophy. However, this summer marks the beginning of a new era behind the scenes.
Begiristain is set to depart his role at the end of the season, with Hugo Viana expected to take the reins. The Portuguese sporting director, currently at SC Braga, is highly regarded in European football circles. Still, the pressure will be on him from day one to continue City’s tradition of excellence in the transfer market. One of his first major tests could be securing a successor to long-serving right-back Kyle Walker.
City have been heavily linked with Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, who has quietly emerged as one of the most promising defenders in Serie A. At just 25, Cambiaso has already established himself as a key player for the Bianconeri, and his style of play has reportedly caught the attention of Guardiola.
According to TuttoSport, Manchester City are preparing an attractive financial package to lure Cambiaso to the Premier League. The report claims the club are willing to double his current salary, taking him from £2.1 million per year at Juventus to around £4.2 million annually if he joins the English champions.
City had shown interest in the Italian defender during the January transfer window, but Juventus were reluctant to let him go mid-season and placed a steep £68.5 million price tag on his head. Although City never submitted a formal offer at that time, it’s believed that they remain interested and could return in the summer with a bid in the range of £51 million to £60 million, which may be enough to tempt Juventus into selling.
Guardiola is reportedly a big admirer of Cambiaso’s versatility and intelligence on the pitch. While initially viewed as a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, Cambiaso’s playing style is more reminiscent of former City star Joao Cancelo. Much like Cancelo, Cambiaso is technically gifted, tactically flexible, and capable of operating on both flanks. His ability to invert into midfield and act as an auxiliary playmaker gives Guardiola the kind of multifunctional option he values highly.
Born in Genoa, Cambiaso began his career with Genoa before spells at Bologna and now Juventus. His footballing intelligence and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to some of Guardiola’s favourite full-backs of the past, including Philipp Lahm and Rico Lewis. Like them, Cambiaso can interpret space, contribute to the build-up phase, and execute complex tactical instructions — qualities that make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s evolving system.
As City plan for a future beyond stalwarts like Walker, the addition of a dynamic full-back like Cambiaso could be crucial. His arrival would not only provide defensive stability but also add another layer of tactical depth to Guardiola’s squad. With Viana stepping into a high-pressure role and the need for a seamless squad evolution, the success of a potential Cambiaso deal could set the tone for a new chapter in Manchester City’s modern dominance.
