Jamie Carragher identifies exactly what Man City must do this summer but it's going to be extremely difficult

Jamie Carragher pointed out what Manchester City "have to" do after they conceded a third against Arsenal in Sunday's Community Shield, but his demand is going to prove extremely difficult at this stage.

It was an afternoon to forget for Enzo Maresca and his City side as goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a 3-0 win for the reigning Premier League champions.

Elliot Anderson, meanwhile, was handed his competitive debut for the Citizens and formed a midfield partnership with Mateo Kovacic.

The 23-year-old, who joined City from Nottingham Forest last month for £116 million, was handed a No.8 role against Arsenal but, as mentioned in a previous piece, he suffered from the lack of cover offered by Kovacic.

Anderson was eventually replaced in the 60th minute after winning just 33% of his duels. He also failed to make a single tackle and was dispossessed on one occasion.

The noticeable lack of control in City's midfield will be a cause for concern ahead of their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on April 23, especially as they look set to part ways with Rodri.

Mateo Kovacic and Elliot Anderson ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash. Image credit: Getty

The 30-year-old midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, has reportedly prioritised a move to Barcelona after snubbing rivals Real Madrid.

Rodri was left out of Enzo Maresca's squad for the game against Arsenal on Sunday amid Barca's advances, yet Jamie Carragher believes City must pull out all the stops to keep the Spaniard.

After Arsenal extended their lead against the Citizens, Carragher wrote on X: "Arsenal 3-0. Man City have to keep Rodri."

So, how close is Rodri to joining Barcelona? It is understood Barca's latest offer for the Ballon d'Or winner was rejected on Friday, although MARCA claim the two clubs are 'considerably closer' to an agreement.

It is said sporting directors Deco and Hugo Viana are in talks over concluding the deal early next week.

The previously mentioned report suggests City rejected a deal worth €70 million (£59.7m), which would have been worth a guaranteed €60 million with a further €10 million in add-ons.

Enzo Maresca has identified 'dream' Rodri replacement

As well as club record transfer Elliot Anderson, it appears 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is being lined up as Rodri's long-term replacement, with personal terms already being agreed for the Moroccan.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez is also being linked with a move to City. In fact, Sky's Gianluca Di Marzio claimed this month that the Argentine is Maresca's 'dream' addition.

The report adds: "While Maresca's admiration for the Argentine is beyond question, it remains to be seen whether negotiations for the 2001-born midfielder will be possible."

Of course, the pair shared a strong relationship during their time at Stamford Bridge. Earlier this year, Fernandez voiced his displeasure at the sudden departure of Maresca, who was replaced by Liam Rosenior.