Arsenal legend makes shock prediction for Man City if they sell Rodri

Rodri appears to be on the verge of leaving Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City will have no chance of winning the Premier League title if they sell Rodri , according to Arsenal legend Anders Limpar.

The FA Cup and Caraboa Cup holder are set to embark on a new era following the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.

Enzo Maresca will already be forced to contend without one experienced campaigner in Bernardo Silva , who joined Real Madrid earlier this summer, and another stalwart appears to be headed for the exit.

After an injury-interrupted campaign, Rodri reminded everyone of his enduring class during Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign where he was named player of the tournament.

The former Ballon d’Or winner looked likely to be joining Silva at the Bernabeu but the 30-year-old now appears destined to be heading for Barcelona instead.

City have, themselves, been pro-active with their recruitment this summer and already secured the services of Elliot Anderson before it became clear Rodri was intent on seeking a fresh challenge.

Even with the England star in their midfield engine room, however, Limpar fears City will suffer a major drop-off without Rodri to call upon an may even end up missing out on Champions League qualification.

Rodri looks to have played his last game for Man City (Picture: Getty)

‘If Manchester City sell Rodri they are shooting themselves in the foot because he cannot be replaced,’ Limpar told SveaCasino .

‘We said the same about David Silva but they did replace him and brought in a couple of good players, like Bernardo Silva, but it’s even harder to replace Rodri now.

‘He’s a Ballon d’Or winner because of how good he is in his role. Who are you going to replace him with?

‘City have to be very, very careful here or they can become a mediocre team that struggles to finish sixth or seventh even with Erling Haaland because Rodri is the machine. He’s the engine in that midfield.

‘It would be the best signing of the summer for Arsenal if Rodri goes to Barcelona or Real Madrid.’

Much will rest on the shoulders of Elliot Anderson if Rodri leaves Man City Getty Images)

While there is no suggestion of discontent at the moment, meanwhile, Limpar fears City could be vulnerable this time next year when Bayern Munich begin to consider Harry Kane’s long-term successor.

He added: ‘The player who should replace Harry Kane at Bayern Munich? It’s Erling Haaland.