Italian website CalcioMercato has reported that Inter Milan are once again interested in Manchester City aging right-back Pablo Zabaleta. Though many fans will have a rough time saying goodbye to the legendary defender, they should be able to see that he is well past his best. The club must progress to better and far younger things.

Realistically, Pablo will see out his contract with the Sky Blues, which ends at the conclusion of the season. City will most likely not be interested in offering an extension. Inter would be smart to stay patient until then, rather than spend money on the Argentine, although they could make a move in the January transfer window.

It appears that Man City’s interest lies with Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin as a replacement. As hard as it is to accept, this would be a much better option than Zabaleta. He would bring even more youth into the squad, and would develop fantastically alongside John Stones in defense.

We need to put emotions aside and look at things realistically; Zaba’s time at City is coming to an end. He should leave before his reputation at the club is tarnished. However, closing one door opens several others, and this would lead to numerous wonderful things.