Manchester City plotting £50m move for Barcelona star following Rodri injury blow: Reports 

Manchester City have identified Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as a potential option to provide cover for the injured Rodri, according to reports via Football365. It comes in the wake of the Spaniard's injury, which he sustained against Arsenal on September 22.

Rodri limped off during the first half of the thrilling 2-2 draw at home to the Gunners at home in the Premier League. The 28-year-old midfielder has since been in Spain this week to seek consultation on the nature and severity of the injury he sustained.

A statement released by Manchester City following Rodri's injury thus read:

"Manchester City can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee. The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.

“The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.

“Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”

Pep Guardiola has now confirmed that Rodri will be out of action for this season. Hence, City are believed to be planning to strengthen their midfield in the player's absence.

Reports via Football365 suggest that long-term Manchester United target De Jong has now emerged as a transfer option for Pep Guardiola's team. The Citizens are believed to have already offered the sum of €50 million to sign the Barcelona midfielder in January.

The Dutchman would be a free agent in 2026. Hence, Manchester City are looking to take advantage of his contract situation and try to negotiate a transfer with Barca in January.

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Hansi Flick provides injury update on Manchester City transfer target

De Jong is recovering from an injury that has ruled him out of action for the last five months. He also missed the Euro 2024 with the Netherlands. However, the player seems to be nearing a comeback, as revealed by head coach Hansi Flick.

The Barcelona manager provided an update on De Jong's fitness ahead of his side's La Liga trip to face CA Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium on September 28. Flick said:

“I liked what I saw in training. Also Gavi is recovering well, he’s in a good moment. In the case of Frenkie, he is close to being recovered to help us. It’s good to see him. I think he takes a day off tomorrow. He has trained a lot and he needs time to recover."

He added:

“The problem for him is not the normal week, he is an experienced player, he can help me even if he plays 20 minutes, but we have to see how he evolves. We’ll see next week.”

De Jong has made 213 appearances for Barcelona, registering 17 goals and 21 assists.