- Man City consider £12m move for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt
- Pep Guardiola needs signing to cover loss of injured Benjamin Mendy
- Van Aanholt would be a sensible low-cost fix to City’s problem
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly be pleased with how the season is playing out so far, but reports claim he’s still eyeing reinforcements.
His side have won 11 of their 12 Premier League games so far this season, opening up an eight-point gap over their rivals while they’ve qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
In turn, there doesn’t seem to be much need for new signings in January, especially given the fact that they’re earning praise from all angles as they’re playing some of the best football in Europe.
With 40 goals scored and just seven conceded in 12 league outings, there isn’t much room for complaint, but according to The Sun, Guardiola is eyeing one key signing to address a problem area in his squad.
City are said to be considering a £12m swoop for Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt, as it’s claimed that Guardiola sensibly wants a natural left-back in his squad having lost summer signing Benjamin Mendy to a serious knee injury.
To his credit, Fabian Delph has filled in admirably, but ultimately it’s an unnatural role for him and when entering the business end of the campaign, it could prove to be an area that’s exposed which could cost City.
It’s not the most extravagant of signings, but it arguably doesn’t have to be. Guardiola needs cover while Mendy is sidelined, while Van Aanholt will offer quality and depth when he returns, all for a relatively low price-tag of £12m when considering how much City paid for Mendy and Kyle Walker this past summer.
The Dutchman has made 11 appearances so far this season, and he’s been a reliable figure over the last six years, making over 30 appearances in all competitions in each campaign while on loan at Vitesse before spells with Sunderland and Palace.