Pep Guardiola during Manchester City clash against Arsenal
(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Man City target starts studying 'Rodri role' as Pep Guardiola given £30m transfer green light

12 Oct 2024, 20:00 by Jake Stokes · Manchester Evening News

Samuele Ricci has already begun preparations to succeed Rodri at Manchester City. The 23-year-old midfield has recently been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his options after Rodri ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

The 28-year-old limped off during the Premier League champions' 2-2 draw against Arsenal following a collision with Thomas Partey. Rodri has since had surgery on his knee, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

So, eager to defend his crown, Guardiola's expected to reinforce his midfield in January. According to The Guardian, Manchester City are weighing up a move for Ricci, who sees his contract expire in June 2026.

The report states that the Italy international could be available for £30m, but it's said that Torino would be reluctant to sell mid-season – especially if they can maintain their excellent form and challenge for Champions League qualification.

The Bulls currently sit seventh in the Serie A with 11 points – just five short of Napoli in first and two adrift of Lazio, who are fourth. Nevertheless, in an interview with Italian TV channel RAI Sport, Ricci was quizzed on reports linking him with moves to Manchester City and AC Milan.

As quoted by Goal, the maestro said: "It is very pleasing of course, but I have learned to understand football a bit now. When things go well, you are linked with these big clubs and it is gratifying because it means you are on the right track."

Ricci added: "I’ve done a lot of training on turning my head to check what’s behind me, as it can make the difference. Sometimes you need to look more than twice, Luciano Spalletti taught me that too. My coach sends me videos to study, many of them are of Rodri.

"You can see the importance of the little things. I still have to improve on so many little things, like my positioning. [Torino coach, Paolo] Vanoli sends me so many videos. Toro fans deserve more, as it is a club with immense history and so quite rightly their supporters are demanding."

Martin Zubimendi, who has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium too, was also recently quizzed on potentially replacing Rodri at Manchester City. As quoted by Goal, the Real Sociedad ace kept his cards close to his chest.

He said: "There are always rumours but until now I've always thought that the best solution for me is staying at Real Sociedad. I've still a lot of things to give to this club, I still want to grow and develop here."

Get City transfer updates on WhatsApp!

Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window.

Our MEN team of City experts will be on top of all the goings-on at the Etihad this summer and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 40,000 (and growing!) band of Blues fans who are following our WhatsApp channel.

Sign up to our community here, and join our City channel here.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.