Pep Guardiola turns to Arsenal target in Man City plan to replace injured Rodri

Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Torino's highly-rated midfielder Samuele Ricci as a possible replacement for Rodri - with the Spaniard set to be out for the rest of the season.

City suffered the hammer blow of losing Rodri after he went off injured in the 2-2 draw against rivals Arsenal, in a major blow to their hopes of retaining the Premier League title.

Pep Guardiola's men dropped two points in their 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Saturday as the Spaniard fielded Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis and Ilkay Gundogan at St James' Park - but the trio struggled without Rodri's quality.

Guardiola admitted after the game that his side needed to find "solutions" in the absence of Rodri and, according to the Guardian, he is now keeping an eye on Italian midfielder Ricci as someone who could step up in his place.

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Ricci is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, with the 23-year-old being key to helping Torino's shock rise to the top of Serie A this season. He has already played 65 times for the club, scoring three goals.

He started his career at Empoli, where he was dubbed "mini Jorginho" - with Arsenal linked with a move for the youngster in 2022 amid reports from Italy that Mikel Arteta was monitoring his progress.

His passing range and physical attributes are said to have caught City's eye, with the player also shining for Italy in an impressive 3-1 win over France away from home in the recent international break.

The report adds that Torino could demand as much as £30million for Ricci, though it says the club would be reluctant to sell mid-season - especially if he helps the club continue their superb start to the season.

However, the Etihad would be "hard to resist" for Ricci, the report goes on to say, with the lure of joining the Premier League champions and playing in the Champions League also attractive factors.

It comes after Guardiola admitted his side need to find a new level without Rodri after watching his midfield struggle against Newcastle,

“I would love Rodri to be here. But he isn’t and so I have to find solutions. We played really well with Kovacic and Rico, and then afterwards Bernardo (Silva). I saw my team and I recognise them perfectly.

“I miss Rodri for his qualities and today Newcastle were strong and started really well. The intensity of their press made it difficult for us."

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