Diego Godin ‘snubs Manchester City move’

City had identified the Uruguayan as the man to heal their backline, per the Daily Mail, but a £28 million move may have already been derailed.

Marca reported on Friday that Godin will instead sign a new deal at Atletico, despite City apparently offering the 29-year-old a £4.6m-a-year deal.

City only conceded six goals more than Chelsea in the Premier League last season, but many of the goals were a direct result of individual errors.

It had appeared City were content to start the season with the same trio of centre-backs – Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis – with a surprising dearth of reports linking them with defenders this summer.

But sudden interest in Godin coincided with a mediocre pre-season, which saw them brushed aside 4-1 by Real Madrid before they leaked four goals in one half against Stuttgart.

Why have City left it so late to strengthen their defence?

An alternative to Mangala should have been top of their priority list; instead, they’ve focused their resources on bolstering the midfield.

Godin is a towering centre-back, a warrior, and would adapt to life in the Premier League. He might not be a natural fit alongside Vincent Kompany, neither would take too kindly to being barked at by their partner, but given the Belgian’s persistent injuries it’s worth pursuing this one.

Regardless of Godin’s final decision though, City should continue to pursue a centre-back. It could be the difference between first and fourth in the Premier League.