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#3 Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich is by far the most high-profile and easily the most difficult player for Manchester City to sign in their search for a Fernandinho replacement. That being said, the German could be one of the best possible names for the job. Kimmich and Pep Guardiola shared an excellent relationship during their time at Bayern Munich, and the Catalan was full of praise for the midfielder.
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The Bayern Munich star is arguably one of the most complete midfielders in Europe. This season, Kimmich has registered more passes per 90 (68.8), passes into the final third (160), progressive passes (174), most through balls (11), most assists (ten), passes into the penalty area (50), and key passes per 90 (2.5) than any midfielder in the Bundesliga.
Kimmich's contract runs out in 2023, but reports suggest that both parties are keen to extend his stay. The midfielder is believed to be holding out for a massive increase in wages to represent his rise among Bayern's ranks. Should they be unable to afford Kimmich a massive new deal, a reunion with Guardiola could be on the cards.
#2 Ismael Bennacer | AC Milan
Ismael Bennacer failed to make it at Arsenal's academy back in 2017, but he's continued to grow in stature ever since. The Algerian midfielder left the Gunners for Empoli in Serie B before winning the title and earning himself a €16m move to AC Milan. Bennacer hasn't looked back ever since, and is currently one of the most in-demand midfielders in Europe.
Bennacer broke onto the scene at the highest level in 2019 when he was awarded the player of the tournament at the African Cup of Nations after playing a crucial role in Algeria's title win. Playing at the base of midfield, Bennacer is a gifted dribbler and is capable of winning the ball back.
No midfielder or forward boasts of a batter dribble completion rate than Bennacer's 88%, while he has also had 5.70 successful pressures per 90 in Serie A this season with just under 70 passes per 90. Bennacer is a great long-term option as well, given that he's only 23.
#1 Manuel Locatelli | Sassuolo
By all accounts, Manuel Locatelli is perhaps the most well-equipped player to replace Fernandinho at the heart of Manchester City's midfield. The Italian midfielder has had an excellent season for Sassuolo so far, garnering interest from the likes of City and Juventus. The 23-year-old combines excellent defensive awareness and ability on the ball to carry out the role of a regista to perfection.
Locatelli has played more passes into the final third and registered more touches than any Serie A player this season (216 and 2538 respectively), with only four midfielders winning more tackles than the 23-year-old's 43. His 77.9 passes per 90 is the highest for any midfielder as well, with an 87.8% completion rate to boot.
The Neroverdi star stirred speculation regarding his long-term future in Italy by claiming that playing abroad is 'an option' for him. It remains to be seen if he does move away from Serie A or not, but on the face of it, Locatelli would be an ideal replacement for Fernandinho.
Also read: 5 Great footballers who played for multiple national teams
