Aymeric Laporte Transfer Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Athletic Bilbao CB

Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte has reportedly given the go-ahead to a move to Manchester City this summer as he is said to have been lured by the presence of Pep Guardiola. 

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Laporte Keen for Guardiola Link-Up

Friday, April 1

According to Matteo Moretto of GianlucaDiMarzio.com (translated by David Amoyal), the defender, while attracting interest from Barcelona, will opt to move to the Etihad Stadium because of his desire to work with the Bayern Munich boss, who will take charge at City in the summer.

Manchester United have also been linked with the France defender in the past, per Sport (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro).

However, the 21-year-old is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken ankle while on international duty in March.

Despite his fitness woes, there’s no disputing the quality the youngster possesses, as he’s emerged as one of the standout defenders in La Liga. These numbers from WhoScored.com show he’s a player who can mix it with the very best in his role:

If he does end up at City, his signing would be a coup for Guardiola. The team’s lack of defensive structure has been a big issue this term, with captain Vincent Kompany regularly battling injuries and questions over whether any of the supporting cast—Nicolas Otamendi, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis—are good enough for a side challenging for the title.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Laporte would solve those issues, and as a left-sided player, he would bring a balance to the back four that Guardiola could seek to replicate throughout the rest of the team.

Additionally, he’d add some much needed youth to this City squad. They have relied on an extremely successful crop of players in recent years, but it’s a core that has aged and has begun to deteriorate.

With players such as Laporte potentially in the side and Guardiola coaching on the sidelines, City can look forward to a bright future.