Manchester City told to pay £70 million transfer fee to sign Rodri replacement in January | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium recruitment bosses have been informed of the eye-watering cost that it would take in order to sign one possible Rodri replacement in January.

The Spanish international will be ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing season having sustained injuries to both his anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee, and his meniscus, requiring surgery in Spain.

As Pep Guardiola sources solutions to the defensive midfield problem that faces him for a prolonged period, several options have come to the fore including the likes of Rico Lewis alongside Mateo Kovacic, and the likes of John Stones and Manuel Akanji moving forward.

Aside from existing names in his first-team squad, the Manchester City manager could yet turn to the transfer market, and put some of the vast sums earned from the summer window into an investment for the central role.

One name that has emerged as a potential option is Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, who was on the receiving end of high praise from the Manchester City manager after the 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month.

However, according to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, City have been told they will have to pay at least £70 million to complete a deal for the Inter and Italy international midfielder.

It is pointed out that the 27-year-old is currently tied to a long-term deal until the summer of 2029 at the San Siro and his current club are not willing to entertain talk over an exit, but could be tempted by a ‘significant offer’, as per the report.

As a direct result of Rodri’s season-long absence due to an ACL and meniscus injury, Manchester City are expected to enter into the winter transfer market to find a replacement, with the aforementioned Barella labelled as an ‘outstanding candidate’ for the role.

Aside from Barella, who would no doubt be one of the most expensive solutions to the problem, Manchester City have also been linked with a move for Torino and Italy’s Samuele Ricci – who is valued at around £30 million.

The 23-year-old is viewed as a solution for both the immediate and future, and potentially an investment that could have long-term implications on Manchester City’s success beyond the period of absence from Rodri.

The Premier League champions travel to Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night to take on the Slovakian club on matchday two of the brand new league phase of European football’s premier club competition.