Wednesday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Shkodran Mustafi

The summer transfer window has now closed, with Manchester City having again focused on bolstering their defence first and foremost.

Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias arrived for a combined sum of more than £100m, while Ferran Torres was another notable signing. Attention will now switch to the January window as Pep Guardiola's side attempt to win back the Premier League title.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Wednesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Chelsea 'leading race for David Alaba'

© Reuters

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make an approach for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba during the January transfer window.

Despite remaining as a key man at the Allianz Arena, Alaba's contract is due to expire in 2021, which has naturally led to widespread interest in his signature.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona were all linked with a move for the Austria international during the summer.

However, according to AS, Chelsea could make a formal bid in January, despite the 28-year-old being available on a free transfer later in 2021.

The report suggests that the Blues want to tempt Bayern into a sale for a cut-price fee, rather than giving the Champions League winners more time to agree fresh terms with the player.

Negotiations between Bayern and Alaba have allegedly come to a halt with Bayern unprepared to meet his wage demands.

Barcelona 'interested in Antonio Rudiger and Shkodran Mustafi'

© Reuters

Barcelona are reportedly set to make offers for Premier League duo Antonio Rudiger and Shkodran Mustafi if they fail in their attempt to sign Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in the January transfer window.

Ronald Koeman is short of options in the centre of defence as Gerard Pique is likely to be sidelined for up to four months after picking up a knee ligament injury in November.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Garcia, 19, remains Barcelona's primary target but the La Liga giants have lined up the out-of-favour Rudiger and Mustafi as possible alternatives.

The Catalan club failed to agree a deal with Manchester City in the summer as they were unable to raise the reported £9m fee that Pep Guardiola's side were demanding.

Garcia, who has made five appearances for City this campaign, is out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, meaning he would be available to leave the club on a free transfer.

Rudiger has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea since the summer, while Mustafi has fallen down the pecking order under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

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