Latest developments
- Man City considering a Samuele Ricci swoop
- Pep Guardiola's side struggling without Rodri
- Consider Ricci an adept replacement
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Semi-reliable source – can be questioned
Since Rodri's season-ending ACL injury, Manchester City have been battling without their best player for the last while. Due to Rodri's constant absence in midfield, Guardiola's team has gone winless for seven straight games, their worst run ever under the Spaniard's tutelage.
The reigning Premier League champions are therefore weighing their options, and Milan Live has stated that they are now thinking about making a January approach for Torino's Ricci.
Milan Live has occasionally been regarded as a somewhat trustworthy source. Therefore, it is possible that the Ricci report is accurate.
Value (5/5): Man City prepare ‘indispensable' offer
Manchester City are said to be willing to present an “indispensable” offer for the Torino star, which could total £29 million (€35 million).
Ricci's contract runs until 2026, and the Serie A club are acutely aware of the prospect of the midfielder leaving for nothing when his deal expires. As such, the Serie A side are unlikely to push back on City's offer as they would like to cash in on the young midfielder.
Suitability (5/5): Unproven but like-for-like Rodri replacement
Not much has to be said about Rodri's contribution to Manchester City; the Spaniard was the glue for Guardiola's side and a very clutch player who helped them win close games. Ricci is a player who shares Rodri's traits, although not at his level.
Guardiola would try to use his usual magic on the 23-year-old to get the team to function as well as it has so frequently, and Ricci would fit perfectly into the heart of midfield for City in the Rodri-shaped gap.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Kovacic not cut out for Rodri's role
It was always going to be difficult for Mateo Kovacic to replace Rodri in Manchester City's system since the former Chelsea player isn't as adept at holding play together. Ricci would, therefore, be a significant improvement over the Croatian midfielder, helping Manchester City's offensive midfielders concentrate more on moving the ball forward rather than having to worry about bringing the ball up from defence.
However, the only key concern for Guardiola would be Ricci's lack of experience playing at such a high level. Nonetheless, the Italian is the need of the hour for Manchester City with their season unravelling without Rodri.
Logic (5/5): Ricci gets his big move to the Premier League
Any midfield player would aspire to play for Guardiola because the Spanish coach is known for helping players reach their full potential and continuously improving them.
Additionally, playing for a club the size of Manchester City would also help him progress into the Italian national team as we head nearer to the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America and Mexico.
Whisper+ final verdict – 22 /25
Manchester City are desperately flopping without Rodri as their aged squad has failed to rise up to the occasion with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Kovacic and Bernardo Silva failing to fully cover their bases.
As such, a move for a defensive pivot is the need of the hour, and the Premier League champions are keeping tabs on a number of players, including Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta's Ederson.
