Jamie Carragher points out exactly what Man City needs to do this summer, but it won’t be easy at all.
Jamie Carragher spoke about what Manchester City “have to” do after they let in a third goal against Arsenal in Sunday’s Community Shield, but what he wants might be really tough right now.
It was a tough day for Enzo Maresca and his City team, as goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard gave Arsenal a 3-0 win over the Premier League champions.
Elliot Anderson made his competitive debut for City and teamed up with Mateo Kovacic in midfield. The 23-year-old, who joined City from Nottingham Forest last month for £116 million, played in the No.8 position against Arsenal. However, like mentioned before, he struggled because Kovacic didn’t provide enough support.
Anderson was taken off after 60 minutes; he only won 33% of his battles, didn’t make a single tackle, and lost the ball once. This lack of control in City’s midfield will worry fans ahead of their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on April 23, especially since Rodri might be leaving.
The 30-year-old midfielder, linked strongly with a move away from the Etihad this summer, seems to want to join Barcelona and has already turned down Real Madrid. Rodri wasn’t in Maresca’s squad against Arsenal because of Barcelona’s interest, but Jamie Carragher thinks City must do everything they can to keep him.
When Arsenal scored their third, Carragher wrote on X: “Arsenal 3-0. Man City have to keep Rodri.”
So, how close is Rodri to Barcelona? It seems Barca’s latest offer was turned down on Friday, but reports say the clubs are much closer to a deal now. Sporting directors Deco and Hugo Viana are talking, and the deal might be finished early next week.
It’s said City rejected an offer worth €70 million (£59.7m), including guaranteed money and add-ons. Besides record signing Elliot Anderson, 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to be Rodri’s long-term replacement, with personal terms already agreed for the Moroccan player.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is also linked with a move to City. Sky’s Gianluca Di Marzio said this month that Fernandez is Maresca’s “dream” player.
The report adds: “While Maresca clearly admires the Argentine, it’s not clear if a deal for the 2001-born midfielder will happen.”
Fernandez and Maresca had a strong relationship at Chelsea. Earlier this year, Fernandez was unhappy when Maresca suddenly left and was replaced by Liam Rosenior.