They’ve not had it all their way, but this season could still be a memorable one for Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side have one foot in the League Cup final, are through to the next round of the FA Cup and sit fourth in the Champions League.
Moreover, while they do sit four points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, they’ve shown time and time again that they know how to overcome Mikel Arteta’s men.
Additionally, they’ve just signed the incredible Antoine Semenyo, and if reports are to be believed, Man City are keen on another top talent whose arrival would mirror the winger’s.
Man City line-up Semenyo repeat
Man City have built an incredible squad over the last few years, but, like any other great team, they seem intent on adding more quality to it.
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For example, while it might not happen, the club have been heavily linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi this month, who Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in.
Moreover, the Citizens have already splashed the cash on Semenyo this month, who, with two goals and an assist in two games, is proving his worth.
The title challengers aren’t done there, though, as they now appear keen on bringing in another top talent in a move that would mirror the one for the Ghanaian international.
At least that is according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which claims that Man City are one of several teams very interested in Alex Scott.
The report has revealed that alongside the Citizens, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United have been following the 22-year-old’s progress closely.
It’s unclear how much the Englishman would cost to sign this month or in the summer, but given his importance to Bournemouth and the fact that his contract runs until 2028, he’s unlikely to be cheap.
With that said, if City have a chance to sign Scott, they should take it, especially as he could be another Semenyo.
Why Scott would be Semenyo 2.0
So, while the two players do have some key differences, they still share some things in common and reasons why City’s move for Scott would mirror their move for Semenyo.
The first is the admittedly surface-level similarity that it would be another case of the Citizens signing one of Bournemouth’s most exciting players.
For example, while he’s not received anywhere near as much coverage as Semenyo, the former Bristol City ace has made 23 appearances for the Cherries so far this season.
In fact, he has started 86% of the club’s league games and both cup fixtures, so to say he’s a vital cog in Andoni Iraola’s machine would be an understatement.
The second similarity around this proposedproposed move is that, according to the report, a number of Premier League’s top sides are once again interested in landing the 22-year-old.
Now, a trait that both players do share is positional versatility.
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Pep’s new star attacker has shown an ability to play anywhere across the frontline, as well as in attacking midfield.
Likewise, across his short career, the Guernsey-born gem has played in attacking, central and defensive midfield, as well as spending time on the right and left at points.
Finally, even though he still has plenty of developing to do, the “unbelievable” Cherries star, as dubbed by Guardiola himself, has some impressive underlying numbers that show his adaptability.
Scott’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Clearances
3.00
Top 3%
Carries into Penalty Area
0.57
Top 7%
Fouls Drawn
2.04
Top 7%
SCA (Shot)
0.32
Top 12%
Touches (Def Pen)
3.89
Top 12%
Successful Take-Ons
1.02
Top 12%
Progressive Carries
1.98
Top 15%
All Stats via FBref
For example, FBref rank him in the top 7% of midfielders for clearances, carries into the penalty area and fouls drawn, the top 12% for successful take-ons, the top 15% for progressive carries and more, all per 90.
In other words, the foundations to make him into an excellent all-action midfielder are certainly there.
Ultimately, while it might not be easy, City should do what they did with Semenyo and go all out to sign Scott this year.
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