Pep Guardiola backed to sign £90m Kalidou Koulibaly transfer alternative – Report

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola should go all out to sign Dayot Upamecano this summer, according to former Arsenal cult hero Perry Groves.

Dayot Upamecano is one of the defender strongly linked with a move to the Etihad amongst José Giménez, Diego Carlos, Milan Skriniar, and Kalidou Koulibaly in recent weeks, as Pep Guardiola  looks to sign another centre-back this summer.

The Citizens recently completed the signing of Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake but are believed to still be interested in Koulibaly to finally bring in the leadership skills City lost when Vincent Kompany left the club.

The Citizens have been negotiating with Napoli for several weeks over their asking price, with Aurelio de Laurentiis looking to make at least €90m after turning down €100m last summer.

former Arsenal cult hero Perry Groves believes Upamecano is the man for Guardiola and City would be justified in paying up to £90million for the 21-year-old.

“If you’re looking at a Man City centre-half, Upamecano [on Thursday], when you’re looking at his performance, do you not think that’s exactly what Man City need?” Groves said on talkSPORT.

“No matter how much it costs them, it could make a massive difference to them at the back. Coming out with the ball, passing the ball forward, very good defensively. It might cost you £90m but it would be worth it.”

The French defender caught the eye in Leipzig’s midweek victory over Atletico Madrid as they sealed a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League in Lisbon.

Widely regarded as one of the finest young defenders in world football, Upamecano has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Upamecano has only recently signed a new contract at RB Leipzig which runs until 2023.