Manchester City sets sights on young French defender Mouctar Diakhaby

The leadership of Manchester City spent over 170 million euros in this season's transfer market. Danilo and Bernardo Silva have been some of their new signings, and for the 2018-19 campaign, they have their eye on one of the best young center-backs in the French league: Mouctar Diakhaby.

According to the website of the newspaper 'Sport', the 20-year-old defender is one of Pep Guardiola's requests for the next season. His progress has been evident since Samuel Umtiti left Olympique Lyon (he was his regular substitute).

"He is a powerful center-back in aerial play and strong in short distances. He has good ball control and performs better in open field," says the Catalan newspaper about Diakhaby's qualities. Although, Manchester City won't have it easy to sign him.

Mouctar Diakhaby is being sought after by Manchester City leadership. (Getty / Ligue 1)

It is indicated that if 'Barza' fails to finalize the transfer of Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt, they will focus on the French defender. According to the Transfermarkt website, he has a value of six million euros.

Mouctar Diakhaby is a product of the Olympique Lyon youth academy, although he has also played for USSA Vertou and Nantes in France. He is part of the Under-21 National Team of his country, after also playing for the Under-19 team.