Six times English Premier League champions Manchester City have turned their attention to Hoffenheim defender David Raum.
The Blues are looking to strengthen their squad in certain areas before the start of next season and the left-back position is one of the areas. City currently have Zinchenko as their only traditional left-back, hence, adding a new one to the team is among City’s priorities this summer.
To complicate things for City, Zinchenko has revealed that he’s open to leaving the club if any offer comes with the promise of playing him as a midfielder.
Hence, due to the current performance of David Raum for both club and country, Pep Guardiola has asked the Manchester City board to sign the Hoffenheim defender this summer.
Raum was among the German team that played against England in the Nations League and had an impressive performance in the 1-1 encounter.
On the other hand, Hoffenheim are also interested in Manchester City’s defender Ko Itakura who hasn’t played a game for City in his three-and-a-half seasons at the club.
Itakura was on loan to Schalke during the 2021/22 season and helped the team to gain promotion to the Bundesliga. However, Schalke 04 couldn’t afford to sign him permanently.
Now, lots of clubs are vying for the center-back’s services including Hoffenheim, with City willing to let the 25-year-old leave this summer.
During conversations over Itakura, City inquired about the availability of left-back Raum, who is expected to depart the club this summer. City are aiming to strengthen their left-sided defense options, and while Marc Cucurella of Brighton is their preferred choice, they are still considering other options, including Raum.
The 24-year-old Hoffenheim defender had a fantastic season at the German club last season, assisting 13 times in the league from both left-back and left wing-back positions. As a result, several clubs are interested in signing him, with German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund heading the charge.
City are also pushing to sign Cucurella but would change their attention to the Hoffenheim defender if Brighton refuses to sell Cucurella. The Premier League champions are seriously busy in the transfer window as they have also signed Erling Haaland.
The 21-year-old Haaland is considered one of the best strikers in the world and moving to Manchester City means the Premier League clubs should be worried.
Also, City have added Argentinian forward Alvarez from River Plate to the squad ahead of the 2022-2023 season. The Argentinian star is expected to join them in the middle of July ahead of the pre-season.
Recall that the English side has been without a regular striker but still managed to win the English Premier League after a hot challenge from Liverpool.
