Manchester City target Mehdi Benatia not for sale: AS Roma

Mehdi Benatia has been the subject of immense transfer speculation this summer with Manchester City leading a host of names for the services of the talented Moroccan international centre-back.

However, Roma manager Rudi Garcia seems confident that the ex-Udinese man will not be leaving the Italian capital this off-season.

Speaking ahead of a pre-season friendly that Roma is to play against Liverpool on Wednesday, Garcia said: “He’s under contract with us and for me he will be a Roma player this season.

“Mehdi is happy, motivated. He will play against Liverpool and there aren’t any problems.”

Benatia signed for the Giallorossi last summer from Serie A rivals Udinese and quickly earned a name for himself. He became the cornerstone of the miserly Roma defence and chipped in a with a goal often to help Roma’s cause on both fronts.

Roma were the surprise leaders of the Serie A during the early days of last season, but faded away at the end to finish runners-up.

Garcia, who was highly influential in bringing the Moroccan international to Rome, is adamant that Wednesday’s game against Liverpool will not be his last in Roma colours.

Roma last year lost Marquinhos to Paris Saint Germain last year for €31.4 million and will not be keen on losing another stalwart at the back.

Benatia made 33 appearances for Roma last season, scoring on 5 occasions. It is widely being touted that Manchester City will turn their eyes to Benatia if they fail to secure the signing of Elaquim Mangala, who was already reportedly sighted in Manchester.