In response to this situation, Guardiola has turned his attention to a list of midfield targets, with names like Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich standing out as possible candidates.

However, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has recently risen to the top of the list and appears to be Guardiola’s favored option. Known for his skill and intelligence on the ball, De Jong has become an influential player for Barcelona since he joined the Catalan club in 2019.

His vision, accuracy in passing, and ability to control the tempo of play have made him one of the most proficient midfielders in the game today.

Guardiola, who has always prioritized possession-based play and technical skill in his teams, sees De Jong as an ideal fit for City’s style of play. The Dutch midfielder’s strengths align perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical vision, much of which stems from his own time as manager of Barcelona.

With De Jong’s ability to read the game and distribute the ball effectively, Guardiola believes he could be the answer to maintaining City’s high standards in Rodri’s absence.

Meanwhile, Barcelona is facing financial pressures that might make the club more willing to negotiate. President Joan Laporta is dealing with budget challenges that have affected the club’s flexibility in the transfer market, and he might be open to a January transfer if a reasonable offer arrives from City.

De Jong’s salary, one of the highest at Barcelona, is an additional factor that could push the club to consider a sale, as it would free up funds for future squad investments.

Given the urgency at Manchester City to reinforce the midfield, the club may actively pursue discussions in the upcoming months, aiming for a potential January signing. Although De Jong has been linked to a move to City in the past, the situation now appears more promising due to Rodri’s injury and Barcelona’s financial situation.

With the winter transfer window approaching, Guardiola’s interest in De Jong seems to be growing, and if negotiations proceed positively, Manchester City could see the Dutch star wearing their colors come January.