The Catalan has compromised on his principles in recent weeks but winning the defender's signature would help him do what he really wants to with the Blues
Pep Guardiola is keen to bring Holger Badstuber to Manchester City this January as he aims to conquer English football on his own terms - with possession football.
Guardiola has overseen an improvement in his defence since the humbling at Leicester City, but far from settling for that he remains focused on getting his City side playing good enough football to tame the unruly nature of the Premier League.
Although he is pleased to have seen his side concede just three goals in their last six games, the Catalan is keen to strengthen his defence this month and press ahead with the game plan he was brought to the Etihad Stadium to implement.