Is it down to a choice of two young prospects to come in at left-back for Manchester City this summer?

Another player linked with a move to the champions is Borussia Dortmund’s on loan full-back Ian Maatsen. A report from Rahman Osman for London World indicates that City are monitoring Maatsen. The Chelsea defender has played a starring role in Dortmund’s run to this season’s UEFA Champions League final. Osman adds to his report that City has sent scouts to monitor the young defender on multiple occasions this season.

Is it now down to two candidates to come in at left-back this summer for Manchester City?

As players, both Maatsen and Locko are both at the age of players Manchester City tends to target. Maatsen is 21, and Locko is 22. They both have their best football ahead of them in their young careers. Each player is blessed with exceptional technical ability for a left-back, and both have the pace required to play as modern full-backs. Either player appear to be ideally suited to come into Pep Guardiola’s squad and make an impact if they were to arrive at the world champions this summer.

It may now depend on if Manchester City does chase a left-back this summer. With Josko Gvardiol making the role his own this season, it may not be a position of need for the champions. They do, however, appear to need cover in the position. Nathan Ake can play in the role when required, but he does his best work in central defence. Sergio Gomez is another player who can play in the position, but he appears to be surplus to requirements at the world champions.

If Manchester City does chase a left-back this summer, it may be down to a choice of two young left-backs. Both players would bring their own strengths to the role. Given their age, they may be well suited to be a backup to Josko Gvardiol. With their scope for improvement, Ian Maatsen or Bradley Locko could be ideally suited for a spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad.