Here are 3 top-class holding midfielders who Man City can target to retain their Premier League title

Three defensive midfielders Manchester City could target this summer

According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is trying to push through a deal for a midfielder before the Thursday transfer deadline. The Spaniard is adamant to add to the squad before he starts to defend the Premier League title from next Sunday (h/t Manchester Evening News).

City missed out on their prime target Jorginho and now must look elsewhere in order to back first-choice defensive midfielder Fernandinho. The Brazilian is 33 and may not be able to play games on a regular basis. So, Guardiola needs a quality player who can slot into the lineup without fuss.

Here are the three players Manchester City could stick an eye on before the deadline day:

Miralem Pjanic (Juventus)

Pjanic is a high-class midfielder who can easily fit into Guardiola’s system. The Bosnian has the required abilities on the ball to be the right man for Manchester City. His defensive contribution and work-rate are also right up there, which will enable him to replicate what Fernandinho does generally.

Furthermore, the former Roma man has an acute eye for picking out key passes from deeper positions, something the wingers would love while making runs in behind.

Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)

Weigl is a fantastic player and one of the best young talents in German football. His attributes on the ball make him a truly effective midfielder. The 22-year-old often plays as a deeper lying playmaker, covering the grounds to shield defenders and also making incisive forward passes.

The best thing about the German is his impeccable positional sense, as he always tends to be at the right place at the right time.

N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)

City could swoop in for Kante and let Chelsea have a taste of their own medicine. After all, that’s what the Blues did when they hijacked Jorginho’s move to Manchester. The French World Cup winner is just fabulous in his all-around game and is an incisive passer of the ball, allowing the attacking players to do their job.

Read More: Who is this £2.6m Man City new signing? Another shrewd move by Pep Guardiola?

Kante has been a revelation since his arrival in the Premier League and Guardiola could make him an unbeatable player. He can not only deputize Fernandinho but also make that first-choice defensive midfield role his own.

In any case, the Frenchman will add abundant quality to Manchester City’s midfield, which will further enhance their chances of successfully defending the Premier League title.