"New Rodri" on Manchester City radar: Guardiola requests scouting mission for rising star

As Manchester City continues to grapple with the absence of their star midfielder Rodri Hernández due to injury, the club has been actively searching for a suitable replacement in the winter transfer window. While finding a direct replacement for a player of Rodri's caliber mid-season is no easy feat, the Citizens have been scouring the market for a midfielder who can at least alleviate the pressure on their midfield.

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Rovella emerges as a potential target

According to Italian publication Il Messagero, Juventus' Nicolò Rovella has emerged as a serious target for Manchester City. The 23-year-old Italian midfielder is currently on loan at Lazio, where he has been impressing with his performances. In 53 matches for the Roman club, Rovella has contributed four assists, showcasing his ability to dictate the tempo of the game and create opportunities for his teammates.

A hefty price tag

To secure Rovella's services in January, Manchester City will likely need to meet Juventus' valuation of the player. Il Messagero reports that the Italian giants are demanding a fee of at least €40 million for the talented midfielder.

This significant asking price reflects Rovella's potential and the fact that he is still under contract with Juventus until 2027. However, with Manchester City's financial resources and the need for a quality midfielder, the Premier League champions are well-positioned to meet Juventus' demands.

A tough challenge

While Rovella is undoubtedly a talented player, it remains to be seen whether he can seamlessly step into Rodri's shoes. The Spaniard has been an integral part of Manchester City's success in recent years, providing a solid defensive base and excellent distribution.

However, Rovella possesses many of the qualities that Guardiola admires in a midfielder. His ability to read the game, intercept passes, and distribute the ball accurately makes him an attractive proposition for the Cityzens.

What next for Manchester City?

With the transfer window now open, Manchester City will be working tirelessly to strengthen their squad. While Rovella is certainly a strong candidate to replace Rodri, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck.

Other clubs are also likely to be interested in the young Italian, so Manchester City will face competition for his signature. However, with their financial muscle and the allure of playing for one of the best teams in the world, the Cityzens are well-placed to secure the services of Rovella.

In conclusion, Nicolò Rovella has emerged as a serious target for Manchester City as they look to bolster their midfield options following Rodri's injury. While a deal may prove to be challenging, the Italian midfielder possesses the qualities that Pep Guardiola is looking for in a central midfielder.