Barcelona's third bid for Rodri
Barcelona are not backing off. They have submitted a third bid for Rodri, and this one is closer to City's asking price (1). No agreement yet, but the gap is shrinking.
This matters. Rodri is the spine of your midfield, and Barcelona's escalating pursuit suggests they believe a deal is possible before the window closes.
Injury doubts before Arsenal
The Community Shield against Arsenal comes with real questions. Grealish, Savinho, Rodri and McAidoo all carried injury doubts into the build-up (2). Maresca may have to shuffle things for a match you would rather win at full strength.
Get the next Manchester City FC brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Enzo Fernandez booed at Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez got a mixed reception at Stamford Bridge, with some Chelsea fans booing him as the link to City refuses to go away (3). The £120m deadline has passed, but City reportedly do not consider the saga over.
Your next match is the Community Shield, then the league opener against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood around the squad is forward-looking. Fans are debating who starts at centre back this season, and there is already a case being made that Matheus Nunes was your most important player last term. Donnarumma's work on the ball is also a talking point, with Maresca reportedly testing a three-man build-up to give him more passing options. Join the centre-back debate on r/MCFC.
