According to Radiosei, Manchester City and Argentina international Nicolás Otamendi has been identified by Lazio as a potential target to reinforce their backline. The 32-year-old, who has just two years left on his current contract, is an experienced profile who has consistently played at the highest level of football. While the Biancocelesti have made a few signings to improve the overall quality and depth of their squad (ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League), a defender is yet to be signed. As City have already brought Nathan Aké to the club and are still on the search to sign another defender (in the likes of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly or José Giménez), Otamendi’s future looks to be in the balance, and a transfer away from the club and/or the English Premier League cannot be ruled out.
Otamendi is managed by Jorge Mendes, who has a good working relationship with Lazio. While he currently makes around €7 million per season with City, he is said to be willing to move on and reduce his salary to a figure around €4 million if a club offers him a four or five-year contract; this would make him one of the highest earners in the Biancocelesti’s squad. However, if they are to sign the Argentine, they need to act quickly, as several other parties are interested in acquiring him. As it stands, Portuguese Primeira Liga side FC Porto have already enquired about his availability.
