Samuele Ricci has spoken about a Man City transfer (Image: Getty)
target Samuele Ricci insists that he is not thinking about a transfer despite the champions reportedly lining up a £30million bid. is desperate for reinforcements before the January transfer window slams shut on February 3.
City have endured a tough start to the season, although have won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Sunday’s 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich showed glimpses that Guardiola’s side are on an upward trajectory.
However, signings are set to be made to flesh out the Spaniard’s small squad. According to wide-ranging reports in the Italian media, Torino midfielder Ricci is a target and could be available for £30m.
The Italy international said at the weekend: “I don’t think about it, I’ve been playing for a while and I’ve learned to know the environment. When things are going well, comparisons arrive, it happened to me at Empoli too.
“You have to keep your feet on the ground, there’s always gossip in the newspapers and on social media, one leads to another. You have to think about playing, having fun and improving day after day.”
Ricci has been one of the most impressive midfielders in Italy this season. The 23-year-old has played in each of Torino’s 21 Serie A matches and has captained the team in his last four appearances.
Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov have also been strongly linked with City.
However, Guardiola was delighted with his current players after they smashed Ipswich in the .
Man City boss Pep Guardiola will be busy in the final two weeks of the transfer window (Image: Getty)
“We are really pleased, we are back to doing things that define this team for the last 10 years. Really pleased for the three points and to climb into qualification for the Champions League for next season, that will be so tough,” the City boss said.
“Much better. Maybe not our best but closer with the consistency we have in our game. Most of them didn’t happen in the previous games that we won.
“With the way we went without the ball, you cannot play in the short spaces. Everyone with the ball was clever, quicker, faster. Everyone is related. You cannot be quick, wise and good if you are not connected defensively.
“Ipswich beat here, they won at Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam [Delap] is a fantastic striker. The players saw what we are and that is the best thing.”