Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has made Argentinian full-back Pablo Zabaleta his number one target for the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Express.
Mancini formed a good relationship with Zabaleta during his tenure at the Etihad and is looking to take advantage of Manchester City’s right-back dilemma by testing their resolve for the ex-Espanyol man.
Zabaleta has struggled to reestablish himself in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting line-up after several spells on the sidelines this season. His absence led to Bacary Sagna being given a chance, which he used to great effect. The Frenchman has appeared in 24 of the Sky Blues’ matches this season, compared to Zabaleta’s four.
The Manchester City stalwart, who reached 200 appearances for the club in last week’s 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace, recently admitted that his long-term future at the club was uncertain, leading to intense speculation that the fans’ favourite could be heading for the exit door.
Mancini’s Inter Milan are one of the favourites for this year’s Serie A title but the Italian coach wants to put his own stamp on the squad in the summer transfer window.
