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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Pep Guardiola confirms Man City stance on signing new left-back

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will try to sign a new left back when Aleks Zinchenko completes a move to Arsenal.

City will go into the new season with just Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo as their senior full-backs, and will have to rely on youngsters like Josh Wilson-Esbrand for back-up if a new left-back doesn't arrive. Cancelo played 45 minutes on the left against Club America in City's first pre-season game, and Wilson-Esbrand looked bright in the second half as a more traditional wide full-back.

And Guardiola revealed after the victory that City will try to replace Zinchenko, but are happy with their options should a replacement not arrive.

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"What the club decide what they have to do, I follow the club," he said.

"The club decides the signings. We miss an important player in the locker room with Aleks, really really important. We are trying but it doesn't mean it's going to happen.

"If it doesn't happen we have alternatives with Joao, with Josh is a young young talent, Nathan can play there. We will see what happens."

Asked specifically about Wilson-Esbrand, who has only one senior competitive appearance for the club, Guardiola spoke highly of the youngster.

"He will be with us, he has to train with us. We cannot forget Josh unfortunately the last two seasons with injuries, important ones," Guardiola explained.

"He needs time, but the quality he has with the ball, aggressive, he has the potential to be with us. We have to be calm because when one young player has many injuries last two seasons it's always in his mind. Step by step, he can do it."

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