Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca refused to rule out the departure of midfielder Rodri on 14 August, saying 'anything can happen' as the transfer window remains open and Barcelona prepare a third bid for the Spanish international. The comments came ahead of City's Community Shield clash against Arsenal in Cardiff on Sunday.

Barcelona's Pursuit Intensifies

City have already turned down two offers from Barcelona for Rodri, who has entered the final year of his contract at the club. The Spanish giants are expected to return with a higher proposal as they push to secure the midfielder from the Premier League champions. With contract talks apparently unresolved, the uncertainty around his future is growing with each passing day of the window.

Rodri's Return and Maresca's Reaction

Rodri returned to the City training ground on Friday following an extended break after Spain's triumphant FIFA World Cup campaign, in which he was named the tournament's Best Player. The midfielder was instrumental in Spain's title run, dictating play from deep with his composure, passing range, and defensive discipline. Maresca confirmed he had met Rodri but stopped short of offering any assurances about the player's future.

'The transfer window is open, we can buy players, we can sell players, anything can happen. I just saw Rodri now in the building; I gave him a big hug, he looks good, so we'll see what happens,' Maresca said at a press conference.

Bouaddi Deal Close, Fernandez Bid Unlikely Friday

City are reportedly close to finalising a deal for 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a highly-rated young talent seen as a long-term investment. Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has also emerged as a transfer target, though the move faces significant hurdles — Chelsea have reportedly set a valuation of around £120 million and placed a 5pm Friday deadline on City to meet their asking price. Maresca indicated a deal for Fernandez was unlikely to be completed on Friday.

'Not today, to be honest, I don't think we're going to do something today. For sure there are things we need to do; how many I don't know — can be one, can be two. It depends also if players want to leave so we can see,' Maresca said.

What Happens Next

With the transfer window still open and Barcelona's third bid imminent, City's squad composition ahead of the new Premier League season remains in flux. Maresca acknowledged that significant changes could still occur before the deadline. The Community Shield on Sunday against Arsenal in Cardiff will be his first major test as City manager — potentially with a very different squad than the one that takes the field.