Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has made clear that further incoming transfers are on the horizon before the summer window shuts, following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Sunday.
The result offered an early glimpse of City's challenges heading into the new campaign, with speculation mounting over the future of midfielder Rodri. The Spaniard, who was not included in the squad that travelled to Wales, has just a single year remaining on his current deal. Reports suggest Barcelona are working on a move to sign him, and City are said to have already turned down several offers for the reigning World Cup winner.
Addressing the matter after the game, Maresca insisted that City's transfer business was already mapped out regardless of the scoreline against Arsenal. "We knew already before the game the things that we need to do [in the transfer window]," he explained. "It is not because we lost the game. We are quite clear. For sure, we are going to do something before the transfer window closes."
The comments come amid growing intrigue around Lille's young Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose name has been increasingly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium. When questioned directly about the teenager, Maresca gave a knowing response without confirming any deal. "He is still a Lille player," the Italian coach said, though he did not shut down the possibility of further reinforcements arriving soon. "But any new signing as soon as they arrive, it's better [for us], because we have the Premier League starting in one week."
City's midfield options could also be affected by the expected departure of Tijjani Reijnders, who is reportedly set to join Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Should that move go through alongside a potential Rodri exit, Maresca's squad would face a significant reshuffle in the middle of the park just as the new Premier League season gets underway.
Despite Rodri's absence proving costly against an in-form Arsenal side, Maresca was reluctant to frame the defeat purely around missing his influential midfielder. Instead, he preferred to highlight the broader qualities that make Rodri such a valuable asset regardless of the context. "Rodri is a player that just won the World Cup, the Ballon d'Or — a top player that all teams need a player like," Maresca said. "It's not about if we miss Rodri or not."
The Community Shield defeat represents an early setback for Maresca as he continues to shape City's approach following a transitional period at the club. With the transfer deadline of August 31 fast approaching, all eyes will be on the club's business over the coming weeks, particularly regarding Rodri's situation and whether Bouaddi's move to the Etihad materializes before City open their Premier League campaign.
For now, Maresca's message is one of composure and clarity, insisting that City's transfer strategy has been in place well before Sunday's disappointing result at Cardiff, and that further arrivals should be expected as the club looks to strengthen its options ahead of a demanding new season.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.