Manchester City strengthened their centre-back position by adding Nathan Aké and Rúben Dias to their squad last summer.
Before the Portugal international’s arrival from Benfica, the Citizens were keen on Kalidou Koulibaly, but they couldn’t agree a deal with Napoli.
Jules Koundé was then identified as a target and Pep Guardiola’s side even submitted a €55m bid, which was rejected by Sevilla.
The centre-back netted for his side in the 2-1 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final clash on Wednesday.
He joined Julen Lopetegui’s side from Bordeaux in 2019 and has established himself as one of the stars of the Spanish club in his first 18 months there. That’s what journalist José María López states in today’s AS.
The 22-year-old has a release clause between €80m and €90m, and if not for the termination clause, the La Liga side ‘could also ask what they wanted for him’.
López then discusses Manchester City’s €55m bid for the Frenchman and believes the Premier League club ‘offended with their offer’ for the defender.
The journalist further adds the proposal from Guardiola’s side can be described as an ‘insult’.
Despite López’s take on Koundé, City will not be disappointed, considering how things panned out, because Dias’ partnership with John Stones has made their defence robust. The English club have conceded only 14 goals in 22 league matches this season.
