Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte 'is a transfer target for Juventus'

Manchester City centre back Aymeric Laporte has emerged as a possible summer target for Italian giants Juventus.

The 28-year-old is being lined up as a potential replacement for club legend Giorgio Chiellini after he left Juventus at the end of the season, according to reports from Corriere Dello Sport. 

Although City may be at the top of the footballing pyramid, it is thought the idea of a constant starting role could be a major factor in the player's decision. 

With John Stones threatening the Spaniard's place in the starting XI, and Ruben Dias more or less one of the first three names on the team sheet it is unlikely the Laporte will be assured of starting most games next season.

And with a manager who likes to rotate as often as Pep Guardiola does it is likely that the player will be moved on this summer, with the likes of Nathan Ake waiting in the wings to cover for Stones and Dias. 

Laporte joined the Manchester club in January 2018 for a reported £58.5million from Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, and it is thought that City would struggle to break even on any deal to sell the defender, much less make a profit.

Massimiliano Allegri will likely be in the market for at one central defender following the departure of Italy and Juventus legend Chiellini, but is also looking to rebuild a largely ageing squad who finished the season without a trophy. 

176 - Gianluigi Buffon

136 - Fabio Cannavaro

126 - Paolo Maldini

117 - Daniele De Rossi

116 - Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo

115 - Leonardo Bonucci

112 - Dino Zoff 

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