With Rodri sidelined for the remainder of this season, Manchester City may be forced to move for a midfielder in January. One player who does appear suited to slot into City’s midfield is Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci. The Italian international has impressed for both club and country so far this season. But a new report suggests that City may have to battle Arsenal to sign Ricci. If that proves to be the case the rivalry between the two clubs may stretch to January signings.
Mark Brus has reported for CaughtOffside that both Manchester City and Arsenal have identified Samuele Ricci as a potential transfer target. Furthermore, Brus reports that Torino is expecting offers of around €50 million for their prized asset. Finally, Brus reports that Torino’s valuation could block either City or Arsenal from moving for the midfielder.
It is no surprise that Manchester City and Arsenal’s rivalry extends to potential signings.
Manchester City and Arsenal’s rivalry has become one of the most heated in the Premier League. Their 2-all draw at the Etihad earlier this season was full of flashpoints. There is also no love lost between the two teams at a board level either. But the two teams competing for players isn’t a major shock.
Both teams have aspirations to claim silverware on multiple fronts this season. To do this both teams need a squad full of quality. The potential signing of Samuele Ricci would strengthen whichever team did land the Italian international. If they did both battle for Ricci it would likely come down to which team the midfielder would prefer to play for as to who he would sign for if both teams make a January move.
In my opinion a Manchester City move for Samuele Ricci does make a lot of sense. His reported transfer fee isn’t too expensive, and he has shown this season for Torino and Italy that he could play a role for Pep Guardiola. While he isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Rodri he could quite easily slot into City’s squad. It remains to be seen if Manchester City do move for the Torino midfielder.
It’s no surprise to see Manchester City and Arsenal potentially battling it out for potential signings. Given both teams aspirations and the rivalry between the two clubs it may become a common occurrence over the coming seasons.
