Manchester City are reshaping their midfield following a summer of major change at the Etihad Stadium.
The club finished second in the Premier League last season with 78 points. Arsenal ended the campaign seven points ahead of them.
Pep Guardiola still closed his decade-long reign with silverware. City won both the EFL Cup and FA Cup before his departure.
Enzo Maresca has since taken charge and overseen a significant squad rebuild.
Bernardo Silva and John Stones left on free transfers. Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji also moved on during the summer window.
City responded by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.
However, their midfield plans changed further after Rodri completed his transfer to Barcelona on 18 August.
The Spain international left after seven years in Manchester. His exit followed City’s decision to accept Barcelona’s latest proposal.
City must now replace one of their most influential midfielders before the transfer deadline.
According to The Sun, Manchester City have identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as one option to replace Rodri.
The club continue to consider several midfield targets as Maresca reshapes his squad. Wharton remains firmly on City’s radar, although Crystal Palace have not publicly set an asking price.
The report suggests Palace could use recent major midfield transfers as a guide when determining his valuation. City also continue to monitor Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Lille value the 18-year-old at around £85 million, making another major investment necessary. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez also remains under consideration.
Chelsea previously set a £120 million deadline price, but that deadline has passed. Their asking price could now increase if City return with an offer.
City have already spent heavily on Anderson, but further midfield business remains possible. The club lost Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders during the same summer.
Maresca therefore wants additional options before City begin their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on 23 August.
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