Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is nearing a summer move to Inter Milan, according to reports. The San Siro club would provide the midfielder an opportunity to link up with former City boss Roberto Mancini, who brought him to England in 2010.  

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Zanetti: ‘We Hope We Can Complete’ Yaya Deal

Wednesday, May 20

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has confirmed the club remain optimistic when trying to lure Toure toward Serie A.

Speaking about the prospective deal, Zanetti told Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t ITV News): “We are at the stage where we hope we can complete it. Yaya would give us that leap in quality.”

Mancini believes his relationship with the powerhouse midfielder could turn the situation in the Italian club’s favour, as reported by Simon Jones of the MailOnline: “Can our rapport make the difference when choosing? It could well count and if the conditions developed so we could sign him, it could well be an advantage.”

Toure hasn’t replicated his terrific form of last year in recent times. The 32-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 28 Premier League appearances this season, per WhoScored.com. Last year, he racked up 20 strikes and nine assists in 35 displays, leading Manuel Pellegrini’s side to the title.

A switch to Serie A could arrive at the right time for Toure. City are likely to invest heavily during the summer and need new blood to refresh the side’s ageing backbone. The slower pace of the Italian top flight may allow him to remain a key player for longer than he would at the Etihad Stadium.

Toure’s best form arrives when he is allowed to drive forward from deep, pummelling his way beyond defenders and into the opposition’s box. Too often his qualities have been quelled in a more defensive role this season. He was allowed to move forward during the recent 4-2 win over Swansea City, in which he scored a brace.

Toure’s departure would undoubtedly be disappointing for City fans, who have seen him thrust the club into a new era of success. He has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield since joining, but he could certainly help Inter’s revival in Italy.

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