
Sunday, August 16 was supposed to be a day of excitement for Manchester City.Â
The Community Shield would mark the first 'competitive' game for new manager Enzo Maresca who was given the chance to lay down an early marker ahead of the Premier League season beginning on Friday.Â
Instead, his City team were torn apart, losing to Arsenal 3-0, but that was not the only gut punch for City that day. A few hours later, news broke that star midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri would be leaving the Etihad for Barcelona.
With City being a vast footballing operation, it would be a surprise if the wheels have not been in motion since the club first got word about Rodri's future, but there also feels to be a sense of panic to fill a midfield that is looking a bit bare.Â
As City begin a busy few days in the transfer market, DAZN News looks at the possible replacements for one of the team's best players in recent seasons.Â
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Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has been a name linked with City throughout summer, partly because of the reunion with his former manager Maresca.Â
It has been an odd saga; Chelsea set a deadline for this past Friday for City to make a rumoured £120m, but that never materialised. But was it just theatre, or are Chelsea making a hard stance on one of their prized assets?Â
City will continue to push for Fernandez if the Argentine is indeed the man they want, but Chelsea are in the driving seat and could add a few more million to the initial £120m price tag.Â
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The Moroccan international is another name which has been associated with a move to City over the summer.Â
At 18 years old, Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of football's most exciting young talents, and did impress at this year's World Cup.Â
City and Lille have been negotiating with a reported fee of £85m, but with the situation Rodri being made clearer, Lille could decide to increase their asking price with the Blues needing a replacement.Â
If Bouaddi does make the switch to Manchester, he is someone who, just like Rodri, plays deep in midfield and would allow Elliot Anderson to push further up.Â
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Bournemouth's Alex Scott appears to be on the brink of the next chapter in his career, and it's a big one.Â
He has turned away multiple contract offers from the Cherries with a number of big Premier League clubs interested in his signature.Â
With Scott's deal at Bournemouth running until 2028, the club should cash in if there is genuine interest.Â
City are one of those rumoured to be interested, but they will have a battle on their hands.Â
Chelsea's £64m bid last month was rejected, whilst attempts by Arsenal have also been knocked back.Â
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