Argentine ace Martin Demichelis looks set to ease Manuel Pellegrini’s defensive headache – as the Manchester City boss is expected to splash out £4million on him.
Injurires to Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic have left Pellegrini short on centre backs and now the Blues’ boss is being forced to fork out to plug the gap.
The estimated £4million for the experienced campaigner Demichelis will particularly smart as Athletico Madrid got him on free transfer – and it takes City’s summer spending closer to the eye-watering £100million mark.
Demichelis is a former Argentine international and has previously worked together at River Plate and the Eastland’s manager’s previous club Malaga.
The 32-year-old veteran centre-back has yet to agree personal terms with City, but talks between the two parties are scheduled for today.
Pellegrini needs to bolster his defensive ranks at the Etihad Stadium as his back-up partnership of Joleon Lescott and Javi Garcia produced an un-convincing performance in the weekend’s Premier League clash.
The new pairing looked shaky at best and conceding three goals on Sunday against newly promoted Cardiff City-in Manchester City’s surprise 3-2 loss.
The tough-tackling Demichelis, formerly of Bayern Munich and Malaga, has a wealth of experience and will help reinstate stability at the back of the Blues defence.
Vincent Kompany, City captain and talisman, limped off during the win over Newcastle United in City’s curtain opener.
In addition Matija Nastasic is also side-lined which means Blues backline is wearing thin and the arrival of Demichelis will help steady the ship at the Etihad.
Picture courtesy of Andre Zehetbauer, with thanks.
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