Midfield reshuffle takes shape after Rodri exit
City's summer midfield surgery is getting busy. With Rodri's departure to Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday in a deal that could reach €76m (£65m), the Blues have moved quickly to address the gap in the centre of the pitch.
Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reports that talks have opened with Bournemouth over England Under-21 international Alex Scott, a 2003-born midfielder who is also wanted by Chelsea. Whether that interest is reciprocated, or whether the Cherries are willing to do business, remains to be seen.
Scott would not be the only new face in the engine room. Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to arrive imminently, with personal terms already agreed and talks with the French club set to advance in the coming hours.
"Bouaddi is expected to go to Manchester City very soon."
That deal would go some way to softening the blow of losing the Ballon d'Or winner, but City are still casting around for another midfielder. Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to bring Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez with him to the Etihad, though that one is complicated.
City missed the 5pm deadline Chelsea set for bids on Friday, and there is no longer a verbal agreement on the exit. Yet Fabrizio Romano suggests the Blues are not done. "Manchester City are still thinking of Enzo Fernandez in midfield," he said on his YouTube channel, adding that the club remain in contact with the player's agent.
Chelsea, for their part, are playing hardball. Their message is clear: "We are in control. We decide. And we will be happy to keep him."
Whether that stance softens before the window closes is another matter. City will test the waters, according to Romano, but they may find the water rather cold.