---
title: "Man City talking points: Anderson’s price tag, Gusto progress, and Rodri’s final"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/07/16/man-city-talking-points-anderson-gusto-rodri/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-07-16T06:34:27Z"
modified: "2026-07-16T06:35:10Z"
---

# Man City talking points: Anderson’s price tag, Gusto progress, and Rodri’s final

***Rodri inspired Spain into the [World Cup](https://dave.sport/sport/world-cup) final, Gusto’s move edged closer, and City learned why they paid so much for Elliot Anderson. Here’s what mattered at City on Wednesday.***

### Rodri reaches the final as Cherki’s summer ends

Rodri played the full 90 minutes as [Spain beat France 2-0 in Dallas](https://readmancity.com/2026/07/15/man-city-rodri-cherki-world-cup-semi-final/) to reach Sunday’s World Cup final, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a first-half penalty and Pedro Porro doubling the lead early in the second. Rayan Cherki’s tournament ended in the same match, the France winger managing little after coming on as a 71st-minute substitute for Michael Olise.

It was Rodri’s afternoon that stood out, the City captain controlling midfield throughout in a display many felt was his closest yet to his Ballon d’Or form. Spain now face Argentina on Sunday — a rare piece of good news to close the tournament on for a player whose season was disrupted by injury.

### Gusto edges closer, but the fee remains the sticking point

City’s pursuit of Malo Gusto is [gathering pace again](https://readmancity.com/2026/07/15/man-city-malo-gusto-transfer-progress/), with reports suggesting City have been given the green light to pursue the Chelsea right-back, largely down to his relationship with Enzo Maresca from their time together at Stamford Bridge.

Personal terms were never expected to be the obstacle. Chelsea’s valuation of around £75m is, with the west London club under little pressure to sell to a direct rival and Gusto contracted until 2030.

With France’s World Cup run now over, there’s an expectation talks could move quicker with Gusto free to focus on his club future — though a gap between the two clubs’ valuations still needs closing.

### Why City paid £116m for Anderson

With Elliot Anderson [in line to start England’s World Cup semi-final](https://readmancity.com/2026/07/15/why-man-city-signed-elliot-anderson-116m/) against Argentina, it’s worth revisiting why City moved for him so decisively. The reported £116m fee raised eyebrows, but it reflects more than a good couple of seasons at Nottingham Forest — Pep Guardiola and now Enzo Maresca have long prized midfielders who can adapt across multiple roles, and Anderson’s ball-carrying and pressing fit that mould.

City had reportedly settled on the valuation as far back as January, six months before the move went through.

### Koln keeping tabs on academy forward Heskey

A lower-key one: Bundesliga side [FC Koln are showing interest](https://readmancity.com/2026/07/15/fc-koln-man-city-reigan-heskey-transfer-interest/) in 19-year-old academy forward Reigan Heskey, son of former England striker Emile Heskey, after his performances for City’s Elite Development Squad.

Nothing is agreed, but Germany has become a well-trodden path for young English talent seeking regular first-team football, and Heskey’s situation is one to watch as the window progresses.

### Everton join the queue for Rico Lewis

Everton are [monitoring Rico Lewis](https://readmancity.com/2026/07/15/rico-lewis-man-city-everton-transfer-news/) ahead of a possible summer move, with David Moyes keen on a player who can operate across the back line and midfield. City are said to be open to a sale if an acceptable offer arrives — Lewis has made just three Premier League starts this past season, squeezed out by Matheus Nunes and, increasingly, Nico O’Reilly, and has lost his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up as a result.

City are believed to want north of £35m, with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Newcastle also credited with interest.