Man City have found the ideal Rodri replacement, 5.67 and 4.65 stats prove why
Enzo Maresca is clearly desperate for more midfield reinforcements following Rodri's disappointing exit to Barcelona this summer.
Manchester City have already signed Elliot Anderson for £116million, are likely to add Ayyoub Bouaddi, and are still targeting Enzo Fernandez.
Money is clearly no issue for the Citizens this summer, with more funds likely to be freed up by the sales of Omar Marmoush and Savinho.
It's been a strange transfer window at the Etihad Stadium, only adding Anderson, Jeremy Monga and Geronimo Rulli, despite several key exits.
Maresca isn't done yet though. According to the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan, City are targeting a move for AS Roma's Manu Kone after just two seasons in Serie A.
Manchester United have previously been interested in the 25-year-old's signature, but it is now the Noisy Neighbours' time to consider a deal.
Why Man City want Manu Kone
At the 2026 World Cup, he was a surprise package, quickly becoming France's best midfielder at the tournament.
But looking at his stats from the 2025-26 campaign, it really shouldn't be a surprise that the defensive star was given a chance to shine on the biggest stage.
In Serie A, Kone ranked in the top 91 percentile for duels won, winning 5.67 per 90, while making 4.65 recoveries per 90, putting him in the 63rd percentile [FotMob].
He also ranked in the top 85th and 84th percentiles for successful dribbles and fouls won, and even added notched five goal contributions.
Rodri has left a huge gap in the squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and Kone would be the perfect option to plug holes for Maresca's team.
How have Man City fans reacted to the news?
It is fair to say, however, that Man City fans aren't quite convinced by the transfer news, especially when it comes to the 25-year-old's injury record.
One supporter wants to the club to focus on a "more complete midfielder," but when it comes to the defensive third, he was one of the best at the World Cup.
It's certainly a link that has come out of left-field. But City are desperate for reinforcements, having been left in the dark by Rodri this summer.