OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO’S agent confirmed the Manchester City ace would be open to being part of a swap deal for Kalidou Koulibaly.
Pep Guardiola has already brought in one centre-back this summer with Nathan Ake arriving from Bournemouth.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could be used as part of a transfer deal as Manchester City eye Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Reuters
But he is still keen to get another through the door at the Etihad before the transfer window closes – with Napoli ace Koulibaly a long-term target.
The Senegal star would reportedly cost around £63million but reports suggest City may try and use Zinchenko as a makeweight in any deal.
And the Ukranian’s agent, Alan Prudnikov, told Radio Marte: “Zinchenko in the Koulibaly negotiation? He is on the radar of Naples, three years ago there were meetings.
“But for this, we have to ask Koulibaly’s agent, of whom we have the utmost respect as well as the Manchester City management.
“What if City called me to include Zinchenko in the negotiation? If it were to do so, we would listen to Napoli’s proposal and try to see what to do.”
Zinchenko, 23, has proved a versatile player under Guardiola, regularly playing at left-back with Benjamin Mendy’s injury woes – although he prefers to play further forward in midfield.
He has previously been linked with Napoli, most notably in 2018 as City eyed Jorginho, now of Chelsea.
He stayed put at the Etihad and made a total of 25 appearances last season, adding another Carabao Cup to his extensive trophy cabinet.
NINTCHDBPICT000607811708Credit: Getty Images – Getty
But Prudnikov added a move to Italy should not be ruled out – especially while Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing there.
He continued: “Zinchenko in the past near Napoli? In hindsight, we can say that staying in Manchester City was the right choice.
“We are grateful to Guardiola for the chance he gave the boy to develop and play. Zinchenko renewed last summer with City and is focused on the English club, he wants to win many trophies.
“With Guardiola, he plays at full-back, but he can do at least four roles and today he is focused on City, but in football never say never.
“One day it would be nice to beat Ronaldo in Serie A, but it is necessary that Cristiano does not retire also because at the moment Zinchenko’s future is at City.”
Kalidou Koulibaly scores brace for Napoli vs Chievo in Serie A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
