Manchester City have “identified” Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella as their preferred target to replace Rodri, according to the Daily Star.
The English tabloid claims that the 27-year-old is deemed the most suitable option if they decide to enter the market during the January transfer window.
It has been confirmed by manager Pep Guardiola that Rodri will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury, with the Spaniard having already undergone an operation.
City are said to be weighing up whether to sign someone to fill the void left by the midfielder but the Daily Star report Barella won’t come cheap.
The Italian international only signed a new five-year contract back in June and it will cost “at least £75m” to prise him away from Inter.
City have considered alternatives to Barella
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Premier League champions had drawn up a four-man shortlist of potential replacements for Rodri.
Barella was included among City’s options, but Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (who was a target for Liverpool), Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Atalanta’s Ederson (who has been watched by Manchester United) are also under consideration.
Guardiola vows to “find a solution” to Rodri’s injury
While it seems City are seriously considering reinforcements in light of a key man’s absence, the manager has insisted that there are players at the club who are well capable of filling in. Speaking to the press after the 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon, Guardiola said:
“Guys, I’m going to tell you – I know you’re going ask me all the time – of course you’re going to miss Rodri – his physicality, his presence, I know. But he’s not there, so I’m judging (Mateo) Kovacic and Rico (Lewis) and Bernardo (Silva). How we have played, it was exceptional. So it’s simple, I had to find a solution.”
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
