City transfer talk: 20 July – Kolarov set to be announced
The big news today looks like a deal for Aleksandar Kolarov finally being announced. Il Corriere dello Sport report that a fee of 18 million euros has been agreed, with Lazio having secured a replacement in the form of Luca Antonelli. They go on to say Kolarov is set to link up with the City squad in America on Thursday or Friday.
Unlike our other Summer signings, Kolarov is not a clear A-list player and it will be interesting to see how he fares. His thunderous shot may look good on YouTube, but a couple of mediocre perforamances for Serbia in the World Cup saw him dropped for the final group game.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly a fan and was thought to be set to sign him. Real balked at the valuation of the Lazio chairman and City look to have signed him for a compromise fee.
Opta stat for Kolarov: He attempted 99 shots in Serie A last season, the most for any defender.
It is the fashion to have attacking full-backs, particularly with a formation that has two holding midfielders, as City have tended to under Mancini. At 6′ 1″ he will provide height and an additional physical presence to a defence that could line up with Boateng – Kompany – Lescott – Kolarov.
Mancini appears to have learnt from his struggles against Stoke last season. Of the players we’ve signed, only David Silva is under 6 feet tall.
Meanwhile in Milan, negotiations appear to be ongoing for Mario Balotelli. There was an interesting couple of tweets from Christian Larrson last night, who believed a deal is being agreed.
@CTID29 Today. Fee is now agreed with inter, but you now have to deal with Mino Raiola his agent & he’s a total nightmare.
@CTID29 £26 million with 7 million add ons.
This sounds feasible as any deal with Balotelli is likely to include a host of performance related payments. Given the gamble we’re taking in signing the teenager this is wise on City’s part. It also enables Inter to get their astronomical valuation if he fulfills his potential – something he’s unlikely to do under Rafa Benitez if Ryan Babel is anything to go by.
The club look to be trying to get the bulk of the incoming transfers done in time for the new players to take part in the pre-season games. This is an ideal scenario for any manager, and Mancini should consider himself fortunate to have so many new players in this early. No other club is even close to matching our activity.
One player who won’t be joining is Didier Drogba. One of his ‘advisors’ claimed City are still interested in the 32 year old striker.
“Today, he is at Chelsea but there might be some surprises before August 31.”
“The only direct contact I had was with Manchester City.”
To which City’s Vicky Gloss gave short shrift:
“We can categorically state we have no interest in signing Didier Drogba and any suggestion of an approach is entirely without foundation.”
- What do you think of Aleksandar Kolarov?
Mick B
20 July 2010 - 12:54 pm
Good work!
I found it strange there was no mention of Kolarov on the City website in Bailey’s daily”what the papers say” news reports. This despite the story being all over the papers plus BBC and Sky etc.
It’s a relief we need to strengthen left back.
I feel indifferent about Balotelli, given all the past “dressing room unrest” at the Club we dont need another trouble maker stirring it up when he’s not playing. I would like us to get Dzeko but there’s talk Inter will try and sign him with the money from Balotelli. Also if we could make Ozil a primary target it would be the icing on the cake.
Scragg
20 July 2010 - 2:34 pm
What the papers say is always done by Pete Ferguson but i will so excited if we sign Balotelli i’ll be elated. He’s the best young players of his age go the world and Mancini’s like a Dad to him