As Manchester City look ahead to the summer transfer window, they have already taken steps to sign Antonee Robinson from Fulham.
Pep Guardiola’s men lack a natural left-back option in their ranks, especially after Joao Cancelo’s loan transfer to Barcelona, who has admitted that he hopes his move is made permanent.
Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have been utilised as left-backs this campaign but it seems like City are ready to pull the trigger in the summer and sign a natural fit for the position.
Manchester City have made contact to sign Antonee Robinson in the summer
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League since impressing for Fulham last season.
During the Cottagers’ 3-0 demolition job of Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, the USA international exemplified why he is heralded amongst the best in his position in England, putting in an all-encompassing display, where he provided an inch-perfect assist for Rodrigo Muniz’s opener.
Now, AS Roma Live have reported that in an effort to sign Antonee Robinson, Manchester City have already contacted his representatives to get a deal over the line in the summer.
Liverpool are believed to have done the same, with both clubs willing to pay a fee in the region of £29.9 million (€35 million) to £34.4 million (€40 million) to sign the Milton Keynes-born defender, as per Fulham’s demands.
Marco Silva’s side are claimed to be preparing for the highly-rated left-back’s exit, having earmarked Roma’s Leonardo Spinazzola as his potential replacement.
Antonee Robinson would help Pep Guardiola’s side in multiple ways
Whether Antonee Robinson is at the level to play for Manchester City will likely stir a debate, as the step up from Fulham to playing for arguably the best team in the world is a massive one.
But a traditional left-back like Robinson would allow City to field three attacking midfielders in possession, especially if either Foden or Grealish are deployed as left-wingers as he would be able to hold the width on the left-hand side.
Manchester City have tried to do the same with Josko Gvardiol and Kyle Walker on both flanks and while the tactic has worked to a certain degree, the pair lack the dangerous crossing and ability to bypass defenders like Antonee Robinson does.
As a result, the Fulham defender’s profile would certainly suit the Sky Blues.
