Jamie Carragher has told Manchester City they must keep Rodri after watching Arsenal run riot in the Community Shield. The Gunners set a marker for the new season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Enzo Maresca’s side in Cardiff.
Rodri's Future in Question
New City boss Maresca omitted Rodri and Savinho as transfer speculation continues to surround them. Even though City have stated they want Rodri to stay and sign a new deal, it has become clear that he wants to leave, with Barcelona his preferred destination.
The Catalan giants stepped up their interest in the midfielder earlier this week by making a second bid worth more than £51million. But as previously reported, City are asking for at least £70m for the World Cup winner.
Carragher's Verdict
As Carragher watched Maresca’s side come up short against the Premier League champions, the former Liverpool defender made clear he thinks that City need to cancel any talks to let Rodri leave. Taking to X, he wrote: “Arsenal 3-0. Man City have to keep Rodri.”
Match Summary
Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds for the Gunners before Kai Havertz added a second with a close-range header. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard then wrapped up the win with a clever finish just three minutes after the break.
Rodri has entered the final 12 months of his City deal, and speaking in his pre-Arsenal press conference, Maresca updated on the Spaniard’s future, saying 'anything can happen' as long as the transfer window is open.
Speaking after his side’s defeat at the Principality Stadium, the new City boss said: "I think the goal we conceded after 25 seconds unfortunately affected the game in that moment. I think after the goal, the reaction was quite good before they scored the second one, we had three or four chances to score and draw the game but unfortunately we conceded the second one and it became more complicated."
He added: "We have many things to work [on]. The season's just started so there are many things we need to do better but even when we win games there are things we need to do better."
