Ruben Dias has surprisingly been linked with an exit from Manchester City, despite being one of their club captains.
A claim emerged last month that Manchester City could sell Dias in order to reshuffle their current squad.
The 27-year-old has been one of Manchester City’s best players ever since he joined the club in 2020.
Nathan Ake lauded Dias and claimed that ever since he signed for City, he has been exemplary.
Pep Guardiola emphasised Dias’ importance by stressing that a pro of the international break is that he will be able to recover from his current injury.
With how respected Ruben Dias seemingly is at Manchester City, it would emerge as a shock if he was even considered as a potential outgoing by the decision-makers at the club.
Man City target Ilia Zabarnyi transfer as Ruben Dias heir
However, it goes without saying that Hugo Viana will be looking to mould City’s squad in his own image.
The Etihad Stadium is witness to the fourth-oldest squad (average age of 27.9) in the Premier League — which is a cause for concern for the Sky Blues.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Manchester City are “keeping close tabs” on AFC Bournemouth centre-back Ilia Zabarnyi, who they have identified as a direct replacement for Dias.
Furthermore, it has been stated that City’s recruits are assessing the next generation of stars and Zabarnyi, 22, is one of the players they have scouted — who signed a contract extension with the Cherries in July until 2029.
The Ukrainian international is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The report states that Enzo Maresca is still unconvinced by Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi, shortlisting Zabarnyi as a potential upgrade on either of the French pair alongside Benfica’s Tomas Araujo.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou wishes for more cover in the centre-back position, with only Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin being his current options at the back.
As a result, Spurs’ transfer targets are Zabarnyi and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.
What Andoni Iraola said about Man City transfer target Zabarnyi
In November last year, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was full of praise for the former Dynamo Kyiv starlet.
Iraola said, as quoted by Bournemouth Echo: I think Illia is a very, very solid centre-back.”
“I think defensively he is very good in duels.”
Iraola added: “I think for someone with his strength, he is quite comfortable, even if he is far (from his goal). He can follow the forwards far, because he also has the speed.”
“Like all the centre-backs and all the ‘keepers, he will sometimes make mistakes. We know this. He is very young. But I think he gives the team a lot of things.”
Only time will tell whether Manchester City ramp up their efforts to sign Zabarnyi.
Dias is a fan favourite at Manchester City and a decision to sell him might not go down well with the supporters.
But perhaps Hugo Viana could well aim to lower the average age profile of the squad.
