Man City decide on their top target to replace injured star Rodri and it’s a name that has come out of nowhere

Manchester City have decided on their top target to replace Rodri after he was ruled out of the season.

Rodri will miss the rest of the season through an injury in a major blow to Pep Guardiola.

He injured his knee in his side’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend, with the star midfielder undergoing surgery on Friday.

Guardiola could be forced to enter the market for a replacement when the transfer window reopens in January.

And, according to The Guardian, Man City have a surprise name on their radar ahead of potentially making a move during the January transfer window.

The report claims the club are ‘weighing up a move’ for Samuele Ricci, who has been central to Torino’s success this season.

Ricci, who has made four appearances for Italy, is regarded as one of the best young, deep-lying playmakers around and is high on Man City’s transfer wish-list if they decide to pursue him in January.

The 23-year-old would also represent a long-term replacement for Rodri.

The Blues have to decide whether to accelerate their summer plans because of the Spaniard’s injury, with Ricci thought to be valued as high as £30 million.

Samuele Ricci in action for Torino. Image: Getty

Rodri has been at the Etihad since the 2019/20 campaign and has been instrumental in his team’s success in England and Europe.

The 28-year-old won’t be available for Guardiola this season as the Man City boss confirmed the injury at a press conference ahead of the club’s trip to Newcastle United.

“He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus,” he revealed.

“Next season he will be here. This season is over [for him]. It is what it is.

“Unfortunately, we got the worst [news] but it is what it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and [help him make a] good recovery, step by step, and move forward.

“What he gives us, we don’t have a similar player, but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us.

“We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us.

“We are stronger with him and stronger with [Nathan] Ake and [Oscar] Bobb and Kevin [De Bruyne], but that is what it is. We don’t want it but it is football.

“As a club we have magnificent players, and we will find a solution.”