Manchester City centre back Aymeric Laporte has emerged as a possible summer target for Italian giants Juventus.
The 28-year-old is being lined up as a potential replacement for club legend Giorgio Chiellini after he left Juventus at the end of the season, according to reports from Corriere Dello Sport.
Although City may be at the top of the footballing pyramid, it is thought the idea of a constant starting role could be a major factor in the player’s decision.
Aymeric Laporte has four goals in 44 Manchester City games in all competitions this season
With John Stones threatening the Spaniard’s place in the starting XI, and Ruben Dias more or less one of the first three names on the team sheet it is unlikely the Laporte will be assured of starting most games next season.
And with a manager who likes to rotate as often as Pep Guardiola does it is likely that the player will be moved on this summer, with the likes of Nathan Ake waiting in the wings to cover for Stones and Dias.
Laporte joined the Manchester club in January 2018 for a reported £58.5million from Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, and it is thought that City would struggle to break even on any deal to sell the defender, much less make a profit.
Massimiliano Allegri will likely be in the market for at one central defender following the departure of Italy and Juventus legend Chiellini, but is also looking to rebuild a largely ageing squad who finished the season without a trophy.
Laporte has won four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and an FA Cup with City
Laporte would bring a sense of calm on the ball and a winning mentality to the Turin club, as well as a calm and composed head, which would go some way to filling the larger-than-life void Chiellini leaves behind.
And though Laporte is still some nine years younger than the Italian, he does have a wealth of experience playing at the highest level for one of Europe’s best teams, and has won nine titles with City in four and half seasons.
Although this is paltry compared to the 22 titles Chiellini has won, including nine Serie A titles and that famous win at Wembley in EURO 2020.
The legendary Italian centre back played his final home game for Juventus two weeks ago, where he received a prolonged ovation and blew kisses to the crowd after being brought off after 17 minutes – one minute for each season spent with the club.
Chiellini has spoken of his wish to return to Juventus in some capacity after his sojourn to the United States but post-retirement the possibilities are broad.
‘I am at peace,’ he said this week. ‘I feel happy with what I achieved and a little bit of pride.’
Chiellini played his 116th and final game for Italy against Argentina in the Finalissima on June 1
