Manchester City might have to start making some moves in the summer transfer window soon and fans are still crying out for some backup for Rodri.
It’s been slow going so far this summer across the Premier League but only Liverpool – who are yet to make a signing at all – have signed fewer players than Manchester City.
The Blues have made one exciting edition in the form of promising Brazilian winger Savinho but otherwise, there has been little movement as the Premier League return creeps closer.
However, that could soon change with Julian Alvarez’s impending move to Atletico Madrid likely the first domino to fall.
City are set for a tasty windfall of £82m from the transfer and Pep Guardiola has already suggested new signings could be made if a first-teamer departs.
A replacement for Alvarez, either a striker or creative midfielder, is bound to be a priority in the remaining days of the transfer window but there remains another position in need of strengthening.
Rodri has been worked like a carthorse for years now, as he’s been needed to play practically every single game as no one else can do the job he does.
City won’t be able to sign a player as good as him but they are in desperate need of someone who can lighten the heavy load on his shoulders before burnout sets in. At present, if Rodri gets injured the Blues would be doomed.
There are plenty of potential options to fulfil the role that Kalvin Phillips never managed, and Mikel Merino is one of them. Arsenal are closing in but the door is still open for City to steal him from under them.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Arsenal yet to agree fee for Mikel Merino transfer
According to The Express, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Real Sociedad man Merino but are allowing the transfer to drag on.
It’s reported the 28-year-old has a £52m release clause in his contract but since he has a year remaining on his deal, the Gunners are hesitant to pay such a high price when he could be signed for free in a year.
It’s a sensible approach but does leave them vulnerable if another club wanted to swoop in and sign Merino themselves, something City would do well to consider.
Mikel Merino would be a quality signing for Man City
Merino had a rough start to his career as he struggled to live up to his early potential at Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United.
However, since moving to Sociedad in 2018 he has blossomed into a fantastic midfielder who would be right at home at City.
A problem City have faced is that it’s pointless signing a player just for one position if they’re never going to start if Rodri is fit, as Phillips found out to his detriment.
But Merino is naturally a more box-to-box midfielder who is capable on the ball wherever he is on the pitch, complete with a great range of passing and capable of contributing in attack with 57 goal contributions to his name in Spain.
Similarly to Ilkay Gundogan, Merino could prominently play the No.8 role at City but easily drop deeper to cover for Rodri when required. The sort of player that has been missed since the German’s exit.
Guardiola may be satisfied with his current midfield options but fans would feel a lot more confident if a quality player capable of reducing the reliance on Rodri was recruited. Merino fits the bill.
