City’s midfield requires urgent attention before the transfer window closes following Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal, according to The Athletic.
City went into the summer prepared to back Enzo Maresca as he began the considerable task of succeeding Pep Guardiola, but concerns remain over the shape of the squad with two weeks of the window remaining.
The Athletic’s City correspondent Sam Lee believes midfield is now an obvious area requiring further work, particularly with Rodri’s move to Barcelona nearing completion.
City have agreed to sell the Spain international after seven seasons in Manchester, removing another hugely influential figure from a midfield already undergoing significant change.
Maresca rebuild faces defining fortnight
Sunday’s defeat at the Principality Stadium provided an uncomfortable illustration of the task still facing Maresca.
Arsenal scored three without reply and, while the Community Shield should not define City’s season, the manner of the defeat inevitably sharpened the focus on the squad assembled for the new manager.
City have already invested heavily in Elliot Anderson, but Rodri’s departure leaves a sizeable hole which cannot realistically be viewed in isolation.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been pursued this summer, while City have also maintained an interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The next fortnight could therefore prove significant.
Maresca was always inheriting a side in transition. The question now is whether City can complete enough of that transition before the Premier League season gathers pace.
