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Manchester City are already preparing for life after Rodri, and it is understood that Pep Guardiola‘s side have been in contact with Barcelona with regard to a possible summer transfer move for 18-year-old defensive midfielder Marc Bernal. Widely seen as one of Europe’s best young midfield prospects, a potential transfer would not be a cheap deal, as City have reportedly been quoted 40 million euros.
The Berga-born youngster arrived at Barca’s youth setup in 2014 as a 7-year-old and forced his way into Barca’s first team squad at 17, and has since gone on to appear ten times in La Liga, seven appearances this season. He has also appeared three times as a substitute in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola has been extremely busy with the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi during the current transfer window, but he Spaniard wants his club to also acquire Bernal as a future first-team midfielder. The Spanish manager insists Bernal is set to become one of the best holding midfielders of his generation.
City’s current first choice midfielder Rodri has struggled to regain the form that saw him win the Ballon D’Or since his last injury, and Bernal would offer long-term backup for his fellow countryman.
