Man City's stance on Adam Wharton transfer 'revealed' as Rodri exit edges closer

Manchester City will be left with a huge hole to fill should Rodri complete a move to Barcelona ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

There is just five days left until Enzo Marsca's side kick off their season against Arsenal in the Community Shield. Yet, the transfer rumours keep swirling.

All signs point towards Rodri leaving for the Nou Camp, especially with Barca set to raise funds from Ferran Torres' switch to PSG this summer.

Never did the Citizens believe that Torres would be the one to end Rodri's time at the Etihad Stadium, but it certainly appears that way right now.

In any case, Enzo Maresca will be searching for a direct replacement, with neither Elliot Anderson nor Ayyoub Bouaddi understood to be that player.

On top of that big-money duo, one of which has yet to join, the former Chelsea boss wants another midfielder, and Enzo Fernandez is top of that list.

Adam Wharton to Man City links cleared up

Understandably, Chelsea's £120million price tag makes a deal much more difficult, with City soon to have already spent over £200m on Anderson and Bouaddi.

While Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton wouldn't be a bargain, he certainly would be cheaper than the alternative, and has been heavily linked as exactly that.

However, The Athletic's Sam Lee has cleared up the links to the England international, with Man City supporters keen to know if he could be an option.

Being quizzed on X about potential interest, the journalist was rather blunt in his reply, simply saying: "No Wharton," before reiterating the same to another fan.

With sources close to the club, Lee has surely ended any speculation of Man City going in for the 22-year-old Palace star, right? Only time will tell.

What's the latest on Rodri's future?

All recent updates have reported that Rodri wants the move to Barcelona, but is going about his future in a professional manner this summer.

It likely wouldn't be the end of the world for the Ballon d'Or winner if he has to stay in England until the end of his contract, but Man City wouldn't get a fee for him.

Speaking to Football Insider, Stefan Borson has suggested that the Community Shield could be the deadline for a deal to be completed, but that is only five days away.

Instead, Rodri's future is likely to be a talking point right up until the window closes, just like Fernandez's potential move away from Stamford Bridge.